NORTH LIMA, Ohio – Selection and customer service set Chalet Premier apart from its competitors.

The beer, wine and liquor store marks its 25th anniversary this year under the ownership of John and Carol Potter. They bought it with another couple who left the business three years ago.

Chalet Premier is a family business not just because it’s owned by a husband and wife.

“​​Our steady customers – it’s like family,” Carol says. “This is like the ‘Cheers’ liquor store.”

And many of the store’s 12 employees have worked there for years.

“It’s very much a family atmosphere with our staff too,” she adds.

One of the ways the couple manages working together is duty delineation. John handles operations and Carol works in the back office as well as managing special events. The store provides alcohol to events like wedding receptions and reunions at several venues that don’t provide the service.

The store draws customers from across the Mahoning and Shenango valleys and other parts of Pennsylvania.

John recalls a call a few years ago from a woman in Pennsylvania looking for Belle Glos Pinot Noir. It’s not available in the Keystone State. The woman wanted eight bottles delivered to Pittsburgh International Airport.

“It was for Stevie Nicks,” John says. The rock star has a contract rider requiring the wine, Carol explains.

Chalet Premier’s selection boasts 1,800 wines, 1,500 beers, 508 bourbon and whiskey varieties and multiple options of every other spirit. Items that have gained popularity in recent years include nonalcoholic beer and mocktails and hemp-infused drinks. The store sells 49 and 56 kinds, respectively.

If the store doesn’t have something in stock and it’s available in Ohio, they’ll track it down.

“And the old Youngstown Club cheese – we sell it here,” Carol says. Friends of the Potters bought the recipe for it and the club’s peanuts and they’re both available at Chalet Premier.

Carol says the store prides itself on customer service, including curbside pickup. “Just pull up and call us and someone will come out,” she says.

Pictured at top: Carol and John Potter own Chalet Premier, a beer, wine and liquor store in North Lima that serves the Mahoning and Shenango valleys.