OMAHA, Neb. — Like a fine wine, The Winery has aged perfectly.
"We have been operating the store for 33 years," current owner Ellen Deao said.
33 years of wine, 33 years of food.
"This was a favorite lunch place for many people in the area," Deao said.
33 years of memories.
The Winery is home for Jamie Frederick.
"I've known nothing but the store my whole life," she said.
Her father Dave Deao owned the establishment.
"For him it was not just his job. It was his passion, his calling. He loved this," Frederick said.
On April 13 of this year, Dave passed away after fighting a short illness. Ellen Deao took over as owner after her husband passed away.
"Very emotional," she said as she choked up.
After Dave was gone, everything changed for the family.
"The store isn't more than him. You know and the store can't necessarily continue on without him. It's too hard," Frederick said.
The Winery will close its doors for good on Wednesday.
"It was not an easy decision for us to make, but it was one we had to make," Deao said.
This was a home away from home for many customers as well.
"We've been shopping here off and on for maybe seven, eight, nine, years," frequent customer Karol Chapman said.
"It's been basically a continuous flow of customers who have come through since we announced that we were closing to share their memories," Deao said.
As the Deao's move on, the community will have to learn to live without Dave and their favorite wine shop.
"I will take time to be a mom and a grandma and continue with my career. We will try to carry on with our new norm," Deao said.
