Cape Cod Package Store Turns 80

Statistically speaking, Cape Cod Package Store Fine Wine and Spirits (CCPS) has defied the odds. Sisters Andrea Pendergast, Danette Atsalis and Terri Anne Haidinger have not only successfully transitioned this family-owned establishment into its third generation of ownership, but they have done so while retaining the core values of their father and grandfather before them. Additionally, these ladies have accomplished this feat in an industry traditionally dominated by males. This year marks the store’s 80th year in business, nine years with the sisters at the helm, a milestone few businesses will ever attain.

John J. Pendergast, Sr., former postmaster and real estate entrepreneur, opened CCPS in 1939, scoring one of the Cape’s first retail liquor licenses post Prohibition. The store, located first on Main Street in Centerville, moved to its current location in 1943. It has since undergone many renovations, the most significant one, a complete rebuild, in 2010. The sisters are grateful their father, Jack, Jr., who passed in 2017, lived to see the expansion that he envisioned decades before it came to fruition. Stand in the impressive boutique Wine Room (don’t miss the tasting machines) of the current structure and you will be on the spot of the original build. Remarkably, the three-phase expansion only required one day of physical closure, as a temporary structure was erected so the business remained open throughout the project. The sisters briefly considered rebranding the new edifice, as “package” store has a regional connotation, but decided to keep the name as it speaks to the store’s history.

Jack, Jr. stepped into the business in 1955 and never officially retired, working well into his seventies. As teens, the sisters have fond memories of pitching in and helping with chores like bagging ice. Although he welcomed and nurtured his children’s involvement, they were all encouraged to follow their own paths. Andrea jokes, “In my previous life I was an art therapist while Danette’s background was in commercial interior design.”

Danette parlayed her software expertise, initially by stepping in to handle the store’s weekly print ads, and eventually finding her niche in the marketing/ promotional side of the business. She has also become a brand ambassador for Women of Vine & Spirits, a global community that empowers and advocates for women in the alcohol beverage industry.

“Andrea,” Danette states, “came on board around 2000 and really got us involved in the charitable side of the things. She is also front and center, willing to jump in and do whatever is needed in the store and is much more the public persona while I’m more on the computer.” Sister Terri resides in Connecticut but does have input on some of the business decisions. In 2010, after working out a succession plan with their father, ownership of CCPS transferred to the three sisters.

The ladies credit their father for teaching them the importance of community involvement and an emphasis on personal relationships as the cornerstones of a successful business. For fifteen years, they have expanded on his lessons by doing charitable wine tastings that they sponsor monthly for organizations including art centers, public libraries and non-profits. They have also revitalized Sip, Savor and See, an event that pairs an in-store wine tasting with the works of local artists and photographers. The sisters are equally proud of their strong long-term relationships with vendors, distributors, loyal customers and, most of all, their employees, who are all an integral part of their success.

They believe a commitment to personalized service sets them apart from the competition. CCPS is happy to offer event customization, from suggesting wine pairings for a dinner party to providing full-service packages for large-scale events like weddings. The dedicated team at CCPS enjoys collaborating with local chefs to promote wine and spirit dinners.

Staying abreast of the current beverage trends has always been at the forefront at CCPS. The knowledgeable staff stays plugged in to what is up and coming in the wine, beer and spirits markets. Millennials, they’ve discovered, want to be educated about what they are drinking. They are looking for healthy products that don’t have the added sugars, with an emphasis on all things natural.

CCPS has also created an app that allows buyers to shop and make online purchases. Snap a picture of a favorite label and receive notes on what you are drinking and its in-store availability. They have recently partnered with Drizly, an online alcohol delivery service that offers “store-to-door” residential deliveries within a two-hour window (radius limits, of course). Like their father before them, they have embraced technology to streamline operations.

In honor of their 80 years in business, CCPS has planned many celebratory events throughout the year. In June, they hosted their annual customer appreciation day, a BBQ Grill and Chill. This fall, there are plans in the works to host an offsite grand tasting. As a special tie-in to their anniversary, they have launched Drinks through the Decades, a campaign with the tagline “for a refreshing sip of history.” CCPS is asking bars and restaurants to submit favorite cocktail recipes that reflect each decade’s popular libations. Every month, starting with the 1940s in May (fresh lime juice daiquiri, anyone?), featured drink recipes and ingredients for concocting them will be on display in store and available for purchase. With the resurgence of classic cocktails, this promises to be a fun and creative way to learn about the trends through the years.

Moving forward, the question remains whether any of the fourth generation will someday be interested in carrying on the family legacy. For now, the sisters of the third generation are not slowing down and their enthusiasm for growing the business while retaining a commitment to the local community is a tradition worth modeling.

Cheers to many more years of continued success!

Cape Cod Package Store
1495 Falmouth Road, Centerville
508-775-2065 / capecodpackagestore.com