Ann Street Wine & Liquors Celebrates 50 Years of Family and Community in Little Falls

By Dave Warner

LITTLE FALLS, NY – Ann Street Wine & Liquors, a cornerstone of the Little Falls community, is marking its 50th anniversary this month, celebrating three generations of family ownership and a steadfast commitment to its neighbors.

From its humble beginnings in 1975 to its vibrant presence today, the store has thrived by adapting to changing times while staying true to its roots.

Ruth Pazzanese, the first-generation owner, recalls the store’s origins: “When my husband and I moved here from Malboro, Massachusetts, in 1970, we never imagined we would end up running a liquor store. He was the plant manager at Salada Tea, but in 1975, he grew tired of big business and wanted something smaller, something of our own. That’s when we bought the Sheehan Liquor store, which then became Ann Street Wine and Liquors.”

For Ruth, the store was never just about selling bottles. “It was about people coming through the door and knowing they were welcome here,” she says.

The early years were a labor of love, with Ruth and her husband working 12-hour days to establish the business. “It was a long haul,” Ruth reflects. “The two of us ran it, split it up, but once we got out from under some of the expenses of buying it, it went along, and we’ve had loyal customers.”

Beth Wein, Ruth’s daughter and second-generation owner, stepped in after her father’s passing in 2012 to help keep the family legacy alive. “When my father passed, I knew I needed to step in to help my mom and keep the store going,” Beth says. Alongside her husband Doug, she modernized operations, introducing an updated point-of-sale system to streamline the business while preserving the values her parents instilled.

The store’s trajectory shifted significantly with the arrival of Meghan Chlus, Ruth’s granddaughter and the third-generation owner, who joined full-time in 2020. Meghan expanded the store’s offerings to meet modern demands, introducing ready-to-drink (RTD) canned cocktails and bolstering the bourbon and wine selections.

“There’s so much competition, so we were forced to evolve, or we would have gone away,” Meghan explains. “I revamped the entire store and created a huge new sector of RTD canned cocktails. That shift has been so important in attracting younger customers and keeping our shelves relevant.”

Meghan’s focus on customer relationships has been key to the store’s continued success. “When someone asks for something new, I do everything I can to bring it in and make the process as easy as possible for them,” she says. “That’s how you keep a community happy—by listening, adapting, and always showing people they matter.”

In June 2025, Meghan transitioned to a full-time role at Morgan Stanley, where she is training to become a financial advisor, but she remains a guiding force behind the scenes at Ann Street.

“Ann Street taught me how to work hard, how to juggle responsibilities, how to listen to people, and how to earn trust by doing what’s best for them,” she says. “Now with my full-time career and still overseeing the liquor store—these qualities are more important than ever.”

The store’s success is also due to its dedicated staff, including long-time employee Sandy, who has been with the family for over 20 years, and newer team member Josh, who have taken on significant daily responsibilities. “Customers always light up when they see Sandy behind the register,” Meghan notes, “just as they do with the rest of the dedicated staff who make the shop feel like home.”

In an era of online shopping and wine subscription boxes, Ann Street Wine & Liquors stands out for its personal touch.

“There’s still something to be said for coming in and tangibly being able to shop for products and have a connection with the people in your community,” Beth says. “That’s the value that we have here, and that’s something that’s important, obviously, to the community of Little Falls, which is why we’ve been able to thrive for 50 years.”

As the store celebrates its golden anniversary, Meghan reflects on its enduring legacy: “It’s rare to see a small-town business last through three generations. We’re still here today because we have been dedicated not just to the store, but to family and to staying together for our community, who continue to support us through the years.”

For Ruth, now almost 90, the anniversary is a testament to the vision she and her husband shared: “Community has always been at the heart of this business. It was never just about bottles on the shelf.”

Meghan stated, “This year is doubly special because it’s the store’s 50th anniversary and my nana’s 90th birthday in November. To celebrate, we’ll be giving our loyal customers a special gift at the holidays in addition to the calendars we always give away to show our appreciation.”

“We’re offering a current promo: giving away free tote bags with any purchase of 6 bottles or more at the store, and we’ll be featuring wine tastings again on Thursdays or Saturdays through the end of the year, starting with the cheese festival,” she said.

Ann Street Wine & Liquors remains a beacon of community spirit in Little Falls, proving that a small-town shop can thrive for half a century by prioritizing people over profits.