Transformation is occurring at the Doctorbird Market in Downtown Pittsburg as they announced this week they are transitioning to a wine lounge.
They announced on March 9 that they are “Old Town’s Newest Wine Lounge” where you can now have a glass, a flight, a beer, share a bottle with friends.
According to Zane Fiala, he said hospitality was in their DNA and the transition and evolution happened organically.
“Since opening a year and a half ago, it has become increasingly clear that our customers wanted more than just a wine retail store, so becoming a wine lounge was inevitable,” explained Fiala.
Doctorbird Market will offer at least six different wines available by the glass. They will also offer a mystery flight of three half-glasses of our choosing, as well as the option to build your own flight. They also have an extensive selection of craft beers in cans, and all of them are available for purchase by the single can.
“The wines we offer by the glass will be just as unique and worldly as our current bottle selections,” explained Fiala. “We love giving our customers new wine experiences, while highlighting small producers who are doing good work. Pouring wines by the glass expands our ability to do so. We are extremely proud of the craft beers in our cooler, many of which are from local breweries, and selling more single cans to guests in the store will allow us to rotate those beers even more frequently.”
With the changes, the venue will now include an intimate lounge area that features a sofa and couple of tables. Meanwhile, the retail and wine tasting sides of the store are not physically separated, but rather are designed to integrate with each other. Guests under 21 are able to enter the store accompanied by someone over 21 and pick up their favorite snacks, while those over 21 may remain in the store and enjoy their preferred adult beverage.
The changes will be complementary to their food and wine pairings which have been offered since opening in October of 2023—those events will still be announced via newsletter and social media.
The hours of operation will continue to be 11:00 am until 7:00 pm through April—extended hours are planned for later this year when the weather turns warmer.
“This transition creates a new evening experience in Old Town: we’re like a “PM coffee shop,” where you can catch up with a friend, or bring your laptop and enjoy a glass of wine while you wrap up your work for the day. Or sit at the counter and hang out with us,” said Fiala.
He continued by adding this was all about building a community and being a joyful place for people to hang out at—including future potential events from trivia, movie nights, bingo and more.
“This is a big deal not only because it’s something we’ve been dreaming about, but because it’s something we believe our community really needs: one more thing to love about Pittsburg,” said Fiala.
Photo by Doctorbird Market from their recent cooking glass.
Another added benefit with the transition is the flexibility it will add with its “cooking with Doctorbird” series which helps customers increase confidence in the kitchen.
“While we have always been able to pour wine for our guests after class, transitioning to a wine lounge increases the quantity we’re able to offer. This will make the cooking classes into a more complete experience, as the guests can enjoy a glass or two along with the fruits (or vegetables) of their labor,” said Fiala.
Doctorbird hopes the transition will help all of Old Town Pittsburg and bring people downtown.
“We sadly lost EJ Phair recently, which took away a beloved “watering hole” from our local craft beer lovers. We are excited to be the new spot for those who love great beer. We are also very close to the California Theatre and we look forward to being a go-to location for pre- or post-show libations,” shared Fiala. “We believe that we are helping pave the way for new, diverse businesses to come to Old Town, not to compete with those that are already here, but to complement them.”
Wolfgang Croskey of the Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce was thrilled with the addition.
“I think is a good thing. It brings more activity to Old Town and the operators of Doctorbird are very creation and run a great operation. Having attended multiple events at their market, I enjoy the quality that they bring to their operation and know this expansion of service will allow them to do even more. It’s exciting to see our chamber members grow in their business while adding to the overall offerings within Pittsburg.”
The Doctorbird Market is open Wednesday to Sunday form 11:00 am to 7:00 pm at 90 E 4th Street in Pittsburg, CA. For more information, you may call them at (925) 267-3322 or visit them at www.doctorbirdmarket.com
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