Montage Wine Bar & Spirits reaches 20 years
MORRIS – The Grundy Chamber raises a glass to Montage Wine Bar & Spirits as a toast for its 20-year anniversary.
“When people look at Montage today, they see the finished spaces, the cocktails, the food, the events and everything we’ve created,” owner Michelle Xydakis said in a news release. “But when I look at Montage, I also see the people who made room in their own lives for my dream.”
For two decades Montage has been a downtown Morris staple. Now at 307 Liberty Street, but in 2006 it started out under a different owner and was located across the street. In 2009 Xydakis started to work there, eventually purchasing the business and moving it.
“Twenty years ago, Montage looked nothing like it does today. It wasn’t the wine and spirits bar you know now. It was just a cozy little boutique across with street with bottles, gifts, and a dream that would continue to evolve,” she said.
Xydakis eventually purchased and renovated the former Sklut’s Men’s Clothing store making it the space it is today. Calling it the biggest milestone and accomplishment through her journey.
The Grundy County Chamber celebrated this milestone with Montage with an anniversary ribbon cutting last month. The Xydakis and Montage family were all smiles reminiscing about its path.
“Montage is the small business story everyone is proud of. It’s expansion and evolution through the years proves success comes with hard work, innovation and risk. We are so proud of Michelle and that Montage is one of our long-standing members,” Chamber President & CEO Christina Van Yperen said.
Xydakis was awarded the Chamber’s Entrepreneur of the Year in 2018 and continues to be recognized in its industry. Most recently in May it was featured in The Tasting Panel Magazine. Montage has grown into a destination stop in Morris and welcomes everyone from friends catching up to bride and grooms hosting their weddings.
“Not every idea worked. Not every risk paid off. There were plenty of pivots, lessons learned, and moments that pushed me way outside of my comfort zone,” Xydakis said. “But that’s the point. Growth doesn’t come from getting everything right. It comes from being willing to try. To take the risk. To change course. To trust yourself enough to keep going.
Here’s to twenty incredible years… and to whatever chapter comes next. Cheers.”
Montage is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information on Montage visit montagewinebar.com. For more information on the Grundy Chamber visit grundychamber.com.
