By Kevin Collison

The East Crossroads will land another unique business in August when The Pairing Wine & Grocer, a combination wine bar, liquor store and specialty grocer, opens at 1615 Oak.

Partners Mat “Slim” Adkins and Jeff Jones want their business to be a place where people can stop by, grab a six-pack or bottle of wine, and if they want, sit down and savor charcuterie and cheeses they can also purchase there.

“We want it to be a place where food and drink come together, hence the name ‘The Pairing,'” Adkins said.

The two met a few years ago at Jones’ former liquor store in in Bonner Springs. Adkins was his beer rep and when he left that gig, Jones invited him to become general manager of his business.

Both men decided to pursue their vision of creating a nice place for people to sample charcuterie, cheese and wine and decided to look for a place in greater downtown. They originally considered the River Market, but couldn’t a suitable location.

Then Adkins found the building on Oak Street across from The Kansas City Star production plant and offices.

“I walked in and was kind of wowed by it,” he said. “It fit the overall theme and concept of what we wanted to do.”

The 3,000 square-foot space will accommodate a full-scale liquor store as well as a big assortment of wines and beers. They’re also planning a 20-door cooler and plan to devote part of it to craft beers brewed in the neighborhood.

The wine bar and cafe seating area will accommodate 30 people. Most of the food offerings will be meats, cheeses and other items that will be sold in the specialty grocer section.

The owners plan to display works by Crossroads artists and occasionally have solo musicians perform, particularly on First Fridays.

“We want to embrace our neighborhood,” Jones said. “We love the feel of the Crossroads.”

The tentative hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. The owners hope to open in mid-August.

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