The Story Behind the Store
When I was 6-years-old, my dad took me to an old general store. I walked to the back while my dad chatted with the owner and I watched as one of the workers went up and down this library ladder. Up and down, up and down, hefting these giant glass jars of candy. Well, I decided right then and there that I wanted to run and own a candy store.
As a teenager, I realized I wasn’t related to the Hershey family…it made the dream a little less attainable. It still wasn’t impossible though, at least not in my mind. It turns out my dream just needed a different spin to it.
Once I was in my 20’s, I realized one day that a liquor store was a lot like a candy store. All flashy colors, different tastes and sizes to accommodate different likes. It took me right back to that dream. So, when I was about 35, I finally pursued getting my packaged liquor license – not knowing it would take almost seven years to obtain it! But once I had it, I had to put it back on the shelf for three years as I waited for just the right place to set up shop.
When COVID-19 hit, the restaurant that was here previously did what many had to do and closed their doors for good. The owner of this strip is a high school buddy of mine, and when we saw each other next, we both knew that this was the perfect spot for my vision. Thus, The Ridge Liquors came to be, and all those pieces of candy turned into liquor bottles.
When I sat down to design the interior, I went back to where this all started. That general store that inspired all of this, it felt like home: nostalgic, welcoming, comfortable, like you didn’t have to be in a hurry. I wanted that with my store, which is why it’s embedded in all the little details. The 100-year-old metal that decorates the tops of the coolers and above the Tasting space comes from the barns my grandpa built off Stacy Road; they’re part of the farm that I grew up on. The bourbon barrel stays that decorate the east wall are from Heavens Hill Distillery. That library ladder I mentioned? It inspired the hand-built, Indiana Amish shelves that showcase our liquor. All the stone and brick work you see? My brother and I’s other company, Coronado Stone, did all of it. Top to bottom – The Ridge Liquors is my dream. It’s my candy store.
a note from our team
When I was 6-years-old, my dad took me to an old general store. I walked to the back while my dad chatted with the owner and I watched as one of the workers went up and down this library ladder. Up and down, up and down, hefting these giant glass jars of candy. Well, I decided right then and there that I wanted to run and own a candy store.
As a teenager, I realized I wasn’t related to the Hershey family…it made the dream a little less attainable. It still wasn’t impossible though, at least not in my mind. It turns out my dream just needed a different spin to it.
Once I was in my 20’s, I realized one day that a liquor store was a lot like a candy store. All flashy colors, different tastes and sizes to accommodate different likes. It took me right back to that dream. So, when I was about 35, I finally pursued getting my packaged liquor license – not knowing it would take almost seven years to obtain it! But once I had it, I had to put it back on the shelf for three years as I waited for just the right place to set up shop.
When COVID-19 hit, the restaurant that was here previously did what many had to do and closed their doors for good. The owner of this strip is a high school buddy of mine, and when we saw each other next, we both knew that this was the perfect spot for my vision. Thus, The Ridge Liquors came to be, and all those pieces of candy turned into liquor bottles.
When I sat down to design the interior, I went back to where this all started. That general store that inspired all of this, it felt like home: nostalgic, welcoming, comfortable, like you didn’t have to be in a hurry. I wanted that with my store, which is why it’s embedded in all the little details. The 100-year-old metal that decorates the tops of the coolers and above the Tasting space comes from the barns my grandpa built off Stacy Road; they’re part of the farm that I grew up on. The bourbon barrel stays that decorate the east wall are from Heavens Hill Distillery. That library ladder I mentioned? It inspired the hand-built, Indiana Amish shelves that showcase our liquor. All the stone and brick work you see? My brother and I’s other company, Coronado Stone, did all of it. Top to bottom – The Ridge Liquors is my dream. It’s my candy store.
See Our Space
Testimonials
Great new store, nice selection and owners.
Beautiful new liquor store. Owners attention to detail shows. Well done.
Great liquor store in a perfect location! I’m so happy to have a quality place close by. Competitive prices, good selection of bourbons and beer, and everyone in the store is super friendly and helpful. I’m going to come in and take a nap in the beer cave when it’s hot outside. Check it out!
This place is unique, and gorgeous! Plus they have a great selection of beer! ❤️ Friendly staff also!
See Us In The News
JEFFERSONVILLE — As a child, Jeremy Ward wanted to open his own candy store.
He said he realized as a teenager that his lack of kinship with the Hershey family somewhat blocked his path to becoming a candy entrepreneur. As an adult, Ward was able to open the next best thing.
Ward and his brother, Jim Ward, opened The Ridge Liquors on July 1 at 5420 Ind. 62 Unit 500. The spot is two doors down from Jimmy John’s in the space that formerly housed Hwy 55 Burgers, Shakes & Fries.
When the Wards took over the location, they undertook a major renovation of the building, customizing the space to give it a fresh look.
“We tore this place down to the studs and started over,” Jeremy Ward said.