There’s always a buzz when a new business opens In Natchez, Mississippi, and the hype is increased when it’s a liquor store. In a town where the nightlife and tourism is essential it’s hard to be unique, but Hallelujah Wine and Spirits is doing just that.
Co-owners Jim Smith and Lindsey Callon were both separately interested in opening a Liquor store in Natchez and were interested in the open space available at 100 Main Street. Most recently the space was used by a sporting goods store, but the original purpose dates back to Pre Civil War and was used as a cotton warehouse. When the building became available, both Jim and Lindsey wanted the space, but combined their efforts and went into business together, along with Mark Brockway and Bryant Pearson.
Mark and Bryant have a combined 40 years in the alcohol business, each bringing their own knowledge and personal touches to the store . Mark is also a movie director and does photography work when he is not tending to guests at Hallelujah. Their knowledge of mixology and their friendly demeanors truly adds a unique touch to the store.
The name Hallelujah comes from a old restaurant and alcohol establishment in the basement of the Old Petroleum building in Natchez . It was named Hallelujah Bar and Grille. Using the name Hallelujah adds an Old Natchez flare and is a good story to tell to the locals and visitors.
Hallelujah Wine and Spirits opened in October 2021 , the week before Natchez’s annual Balloon Races, in a move that was spur of the moment, but with guests coming in from out of state and surrounding areas in Mississippi, it proved beneficial in getting the word out.
The store being so close to the Riverfront, at the end of Main Street in Natchez, makes it easily accessible to the Riverboat guests that come through traveling in Mississippi. Also nearby is a hotel, restaurant, and casino, so the traffic coming to purchase from Hallelujah is a diverse variety of people from different states and countries , each with their own stories to tell about their own personal collections of liquor and wines.
The wine and spirits store has a large selection of alcohol, with a large portion of inventory devoted to a vast collection of wines and whiskeys. Bryant is very knowledgeable in all things whiskey and explains most of the bottles with first hand experience, explaining their origins and flavor profiles. Hallelujah offers wine and whiskey tastings throughout the month and on the last Monday of each month, they have “Manic Monday,” where they discount items in the store by 10 percent.
A company that takes pride in their fair prices, brilliant selections, informative staff, atmosphere, and interior design make Hallelujah Wine and Spirits stand out from rest.