Oxford Liquor Stores Prepare for Super Bowl

Every year, the Super Bowl conjures up many age-old traditions: neighborhood get-togethers, table-long spreads of hot wings and potato salad, halftime shows and funny commercials. For many people, those traditions are aided by the libations found at a nearby liquor store. A couple of Oxford’s own liquor stores are gearing up for the big day to prepare their patrons for the party.

“We start planning for it about a week ahead of time,” said Chad Everett, manager of Poppa’s Wine & Spirits. “We’ll have extra help at the store on Saturday when everyone’s stocking up for the game.”

Kickoff between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks is set for 5:30 CT, something Everett feels will affect drink choices.

“Given it’s a night game, we’ll probably sell a lot of bourbon on Saturday.”

Star Package owner, Jeanne Zinn, admitted she may not know what she will sell the most of, but she wishes she did.

“You never know because it changes every year. We don’t know how much beer will be bought elsewhere and how much liquor will be bought with us,” she said. “A lot of people have to go to work on Monday so you never know.”

Poppa’s offers a special feature to the liquor they sell, adding a complimentary etching to mark the occasion. Everett expects to have a few etchings done on Saturday to commemorate the event.

While neither Everett or Zinn believe the sales will exceed an Ole Miss home football weekend, they both expect to see higher than normal customer volume in the stores. Zinn, whom vows to cheer for the Patriots to see another Rebel win a Super Bowl ring, has a theory as to why the weekend of the game is such a success.

“Some people really care about the game and other people don’t, but it’s another day to party.”

Michael Quirk is a HottyToddy.com staff reporter and can be reached at michael.quirk@hottytoddy.com.