SHELBY — Ben and Cindy Lash decided to pursue a dream a decade ago.
The husband and wife spent a few years searching for a location to operate a wine bar — ultimately choosing Shelby’s former Citizens Bank building along West Main Street.
Built in 1911, the building included marble walls, among other grand architecture. It was the “perfect, unique location” for The Vault Wine Bar.
“After we first came in here and looked at the place we thought, this was the place to do it,” Cindy told Richland Source in 2014. “We pretty much stopped looking at other locations.
“We thought if we couldn’t do it here, we weren’t going to do it.”
On Thursday, the Lashes welcomed customers to join them in celebrating the wine bar’s 10th anniversary at 29 W. Main St.
Customers enjoyed a variety of burger specials and live music from Ben Dunn, who performed on the outdoor patio. All customers received a key to a safe deposit box — which was filled with a prize ranging up to a $50 Vault gift card.
Ben said it was gratifying to see the business packed with people Thursday evening.
“It’s just hard to believe it’s been 10 years,” he said. “Time flies. We couldn’t be more happy to be where we’re at right now.”
A decade of surprises
The downtown location boasts more than 150 wine selections and 30-plus beer choices. A food menu features daily and weekly specials, as well as artisan pizzas.
When the business first opened, Ben said he and his wife thought they’d have a “small kitchen,” serving items like cheese and crackers.
“We’ve turned into more of a full-service restaurant, with a really good wine list,” he said.
Still, there are aspects of the business that have surprised him.
“I’m surprised with the way the menus gone and I’m surprised with how well the patio is received,” Ben said. “I didn’t expect we’d be doing live music every weekend and the crowds we get out there are just great.”
Summer entertainment includes more than 50 local artists and bands set to perform on the wine bar’s outdoor patio from May until the end of September.
The Vault is open to customers Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sundays 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Lashes took a chance on The Vault
Ten years of progress has resulted in a business which draws people to the city’s growing downtown.
Ben, a former owner of Paul’s Drive-In in Shelby, said his wife deserves “all the credit.”
“I was happy running Paul’s Drive-In and she convinced me to take a chance on this (wine bar),” he said. “When we walked in the building, she could just picture everything.”
“She (Cindy) takes care of the front and I take care of the back. We spend all day together and it works out really good.”
THE VAULT WINE BAR 10 YEARS AGO
The decision to bring new life to the historic downtown building has created a fun, relaxed atmosphere — attracting local and out-of-town customers.
When the business opened a decade ago, Ben said he and his wife felt it was the right time.
“I had confidence that if we did something good, that people would come,” he said. “It’s been a long, slow growth and it’s been pretty great to see it happen.”
To learn more about the wine bar, visit The Vault Wine Bar website and Facebook page.
(Below as a list of local artists and bands performing at The Vault Wine Bar, 29 W. Main St., from May until the end of September.)
