Ypsilanti Township's Huckleberry Party Store closes; liquor license and assets scheduled for auction
The Huckleberry Party Store
Tom Perkins | For AnnArbor.com
A popular Ypsilanti Township liquor store has closed and filed for bankruptcy.
According the Michigan Liquor Control Commission, the owners of the Huckleberry Party Store at 2872 Washtenaw Ave. filed for bankruptcy June 9.
AnnArbor.com was unable to reach the store's owners. But Doug Ellmann, an attorney and bankruptcy trustee for the store, said the owners failed to present a workout plan to the bankruptcy judge and the case has been converted to Chapter 7 liquidation.
An auction for the store's license and assets will be held on July 25 at 11 a.m. at Ellmann's office at 308 W. Huron St. in Ann Arbor. The starting bid is $125,000. Jim Chaconas, a broker for Colliers International, is marketing the store.
Tom Perkins is a freelance reporter for AnnArbor.com.
Comments
Mushkura
Wed, Jul 13, 2011 : 6:33 p.m.
Wow!! I have patronized Huckleberry's for over 20 yrs. I'm really saddened to hear Chip is no longer in business. He has been there with his awesome suggestions, discounts and favors (from keeping a bottle of my favorite Chardonnay, which btw he turned me on to, in the freezer just for me to letting me use the bathroom) for my wedding reception, anniversaries, parties, every milestone I've celebrated including my divorce. Even when I moved a bit out of the area, I would still come to Chip for all my "spirit"ual needs. He became a dear friend. I will truly miss him and I pray for him and his family. It was a pleasure doing business with you Chip and a blessing to befriend a man of you caliber. I wish you all the best!
Sarah Rigg
Tue, Jul 12, 2011 : 4:18 p.m.
I also am sorry to see this place go. They had a surprisingly good selection of both wine and local craft brews and often carried varities of local mead that I couldn't get anywhere else around here, not even at Whole Foods. My husband and I used to call the owner "Stan Makita" after the donut shop owner in Wayne's World because he was ALWAYS there and often seemed to be the only employee ever on duty.
bugsmum
Sat, Jul 9, 2011 : 4:38 p.m.
Also very sorry to hear the store is closed for good.... very much enjoyed the large selection of beer & wine. Looked forward to a brief but pleasant conversation with an always hospitable Chip. I hope all goes well.
Dirtgrain
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 10:52 p.m.
Yah, he is a cool guy, and I've always liked the store over the competition. It's not the best location, it seems.
mannyredline
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 8:18 p.m.
This is terrible news. I go out of my way to shop there because the owner was great.
John A2
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 1:50 p.m.
to bad it was my favorite store
Huron74
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 1:41 p.m.
Bought a lot of stuff there when I was a student. Sad to see it go.
glimmertwin
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 12:34 p.m.
That entire corridor is drying up. I can't keep track of the businesses opening/closing in the area.
naturally
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 12:31 p.m.
So sad...Huckleberry is my go-to liquor store
A2K
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 12:01 p.m.
Sorry to see this business go, they had excellent top-shelf selections and were always ready with a smart recommendation.
treetowncartel
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 11:39 a.m.
Actually, recessions are good for the economy of alcohol, bars are typiclly a recession proof business.Tthis place just didn't keep up with their local competitors and the owner was getting tired of the riff raff in the area.
treetowncartel
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 3:20 p.m.
Not sure about Rocky, but these are the type of riff raff i was talking about <a href="http://www.annarbor.com/news/crime/deputies-investigate-robbery-at-huckleberry-party-store-in-ypsilanti-township/">http://www.annarbor.com/news/crime/deputies-investigate-robbery-at-huckleberry-party-store-in-ypsilanti-township/</a>
racerx
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 2:50 p.m.
umm...riff raff? What? Was Rocky there too?
Tom Joad
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 11:19 a.m.
In this economy the last thing most responsible and thrifty people are spending money on is alcohol. That is a good thing overall...
CynicA2
Sat, Jul 9, 2011 : 2:16 a.m.
Actually, the last thing many people stop spending money on during a recession is alcohol. They just do it more thriftily by drinking at home or at friends homes, instead of at bars. Takes the edge off the economy, ya know?
ThaKillaBee
Fri, Jul 8, 2011 : 4:07 p.m.
Get off your high horse. I am responsible and thrifty and enjoyed this place.