When Cap & Cork opened in 2010 it quickly became a go-to store for its first-rate selection of domestic craft beer. Since Sean Chhabra and Ricki Singh bought the store in 2019, they have upheld that reputation. Customers will also find racks stocked with a large assortment of wines from Michigan wineries as well as national and international wineries.
Yelp reviewers have made comments like “a can’t miss craft beer store,” “good selection of craft brews,” “personal attention to customer service,” and “nice location in downtown Comstock Park and easy access from the White Pine Trail.”
Singh said the White Pine Trail just behind the store at 3924 West River Drive in downtown Comstock Park makes it an attractive location.
“It (Comstock Park) is a good location, a nice area,” said Singh, adding that besides the White Pine Trail, Dwight Lydell Park located across the street also helps bring in customers who stop in for juice, water, and snacks, as well as beer, wine, and liquor to take home.
Besides beer, wine, and spirits, there are the usual party store snacks. Chhabra said they added a check cashing service to provide more services to their customers and changed the name to Cap & Cork Liquor Store n Check Cash to reflect that change. They recently added a bitcoin ATM machine.
Singh said they rely on vendor samples, customer requests and recommendations, and trade magazines to decide what beers to stock. Occasional tastings are held in the store when a new release comes out. Those are posted on the store’s Facebook page, their main source of advertising. Customers can purchase single beers and make a mix and match six-pack. Singh said
Singh, who grew up and went to school in India came to the United States in 2003 with his brother. The two worked in liquor stores owned by family members. His brother now owns Our Food Market on Grand Rapids’ west side, and Singh helps him out occasionally.
Chhabra grew up in the United States. He attended Comstock Park schools for a year and graduated Forest Hills. His father owns Galewood Liquor Store in Wyoming, and Chhabra helps at that store occasionally.