Today we’d like to introduce you to Janet Morgan.
Hi Janet, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
In August of 1973, my dad bought the liquor store (Little John’s Package Store) at the corner of Magnolia Ave and Bertrand from the original owner, Cricket Lewis. Before that, he worked part-time for Thelma Jenkins at the Easy In package store on Magnolia Ave. My dad continued to run the Liquor Store and Teach at Vine Middle School up until his retirement in the early 2000s. At that point, we split running the store. I ran the day shift, and he ran the night shift. In 2015, my dad restructured the business, and I was made the primary owner, and he slowly bowed out of the business. 2019, during the Magnolia corridor construction, it became clear that I had to do something to offset being blocked off due to construction.
The Whiskey Wench was born out of a need to make ends meet both in the Liquor Store and for me. In January of 2019, my dad had 2 consecutive massive strokes. After his 21 days in rehab and being told he would never rebound, my mother and I took him home. So, I had to make ends meet because even with good retirement and insurance, caring for a person and later my mom at home can be staggering. My parents died 3 weeks to the day apart in 2023. My husband of 30 years has supported me every step of the way. He has worked the store and bar-backed events and bought me everything to compete in the mobile bartending market, from a refrigerated trailer and mobile bars that fit venues beautifully to a delivery truck. But having said all that, I love being in my lane at the bar and watching each sweet couple’s best day yet.
Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Oh my gosh, no! It is a constant learning curve. It is in 3 different places in one evening. Being at an event, having an issue at the store, having to decide to close the store until the event is over, and I can get back to reopen the store until closing time.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about The Whiskey Wench?
There is very little to tell. I needed a side hustle during the Magnolia Corridor process to help my primary business, and here I am going five years later, building my once side hustle into a thriving, successful business.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
That I am a DIY-try person, but I love weddings! I love bringing the bar, talking to the guest the day of, and helping the couples build their bar. I love this window in time in their lives.
Image Credits
Elizabeth Wheeler, Janet Roberts-Morgan, Meadow Mint Farms, Roberts Farm, Holston Springs, The Works
