Pecks Wines & Spirits celebrates 25th anniversary
WARWICK Bill and Debbie Iurato celebrated another major milestone on Sunday, May 20.
It was the 25th anniversary of their ownership and management of Pecks Wines & Spirits, Inc., at 1 Bank St. in Warwick. And the Iuratos literally invited everyone to enjoy a buffet lunch and refreshments above their store.
Pecks is one of the oldest businesses in Warwick and its been 55 years since Walter and Ruth Peck first opened their store on South Street in 1957.
Years later, Myra Roe ran Pecks as it has continued to be named. And in 1980 she sold it to John Umhey. After seven years, he, in turn, sold it to Bill and Debbie Iurato. That was in May 1987.
Bill and Debbie Iurato continued to operate Pecks Wines & Spirits from the South St. location, now home to the Allstate Insurance Agency at 16 South St. But in 1992 they decided to move to larger quarters at Bank Street.
Later this year they will have an opportunity to throw another party when they celebrate 20 years at their current Bank Street location.
Under the ownership and management of Bill and Debbie Iurato, Pecks Wines & Spirits blossomed.
The Iuratos studied wine and took educational tours of wine districts. They added more wines to their inventory and began holding wine tastings every Friday evening to introduce new discoveries. Pecks also offered bar catering services and delivered soda, ice and whatever else the party needed with the order of liquors and wine, all at reasonable costs.
In 1999 they purchased the building.
Five years ago, when he was asked when they plan to sell the business and retire, Bill Iurato quipped, I need another 20 years to pay it off.
He has 15 more years to go. To contact Pecks Wines & Spirits call 986-963.