International Wine and Beverage will close sometime before the summer, ending 50 years in business for the Beek family at 4040 Lee Highway.
Husband and wife Leo and Mary Beek opened the shop in 1964 selling typewriters. Mary Beek told ARLnow.com today that about 18 years ago her son, Bob, got into the wine business and led the switch from selling the obsolete machines to wine, beer and cigars.
Leo has passed away, and Mary, Bob and Ashley Beek have decided to retire “whenever we sell all our goodies in here.”
“It’s time to retire,” Mary Beek said. “When it’s time to go, it’s time to go.”
Whenever the Beek family sells the rest of its drinks and smokes, the Cherrydale Veterinary Clinic next door will expand into its space. Dr. Robert Brown has owned the clinic since 1972 and operated it with his wife, Donna. Mary Beek said she was happy that another local, family business was moving in to the space.
Hat tip to Peter Golkin