'Still a Dream' for Liquor Store Owner

 “It’s still a dream come true,” said Matthew Amaral late Wednesday afternoon at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for his Barrington liquor store.

Amaral finally got around to cutting a ribbon at Grapes & Grains after a bit more than six weeks in business on Bosworth Street. The ribbon was held between the two doorways to the wine room.

The East Bay Chamber of Commerce actually arranged the ceremony as a networking event. It’s something the chamber tries to do for a new business once a month, said Suzanne Munroe, administrative assistant at the chamber.

Amaral opened the store on March 27. But the first day was more of a family celebration, not a grand opening. See the Patch story on the opening.

Approximately 50-60 chambers members sent in RSVPs for the chamber event. Many were on hand for the cutting of the ribbon. They sipped on wine and munched on crackers, cheese and cookies as they came and went.

Amaral did the honors with an oversized scissor. He was assisted by Peter Andrews, his store manager, and several other employees -- all with Johnson & Wales University backgrounds. Amaral’s wife, Luciana, stood nearby taking photos.