Proudly Local Business: Hardisty's Lakeview Liquor
The table is set, the food is steaming, and the enticing aroma does all the work of herding everyone to the dining room. There’s nothing quite like Sunday dinner with the family in rural Alberta. The final touch? A cabaret sauvignon thoughtfully recommended by Ernie Ziegler, owner of Lakeview Liquor in Hardisty, Alberta.
Having owned Hardisty’s largest liquor store for almost two decades, Ernie knows his beverages. From imported wines to local beers to customary spirits, he prides himself on providing what the community wants. But it wasn’t until later in life that Ernie fully realized his dream of settling down as a business owner in a small town.
A match made in heaven
Originally from Drumheller, Ernie Ziegler is a rural Albertan, through and through. His work for a supply company in the 80s brought him to Hardisty temporarily, but he was quickly charmed by the small-town atmosphere. As he started getting to know the locals, he found himself imagining building a life there with his wife and two daughters. Then, as if fate stepped in, he found out the local liquor store was going up for sale.
In 2008, Ernie became the new owner and operator of Lakeview Liquor. And since then, he’s expanded the stock, built a walk-in cooler with the latest technology and created a community around delicious beverages.
More than a liquor store
One of Ernie’s favourite things is catching up with regulars. As he helps them pick out a wine and rings up their items, family, current events and sports are among the many topics of conversation.
“I'm a pretty easygoing kind of a guy, so I get along with most everybody,” Ernie says. “I get people coming in and they'll pick up their bottle of rye or whatever and they stay and visit for 10 minutes or so. It's nice just to socialize and get to know the people.”
But not all Lakeview patrons are regulars. Hardisty is always bustling with oilfield activity, so Ernie meets workers from all over Canada and the States. One thing he’s heard from locals and visitors alike is that they appreciate the variety of products his store carries.
Rural Albertans deserve good selection
In fact, word-of-mouth has made Lakeview Liquor known far and wide for its selection. That’s not an accident. Ernie takes pride in his stock, thoughtfully pouring over the ordering catalogue each month. His shelves currently hold over 200 kinds of wine and a 14x16 walk-in cooler’s worth of both domestic and local craft beers, a variety not often seen in small-town liquor stores.
Ernie gets particularly excited about bringing in new products for people to try. Knowing what the community likes, he often orders and showcases new items at the front of the store. “The odd time you're wrong, so sometimes I’m stuck with a case of something for a while,” Ernie laughs. “But I put it on sale and eventually it goes out the door.”
The next time you’re in the area, whether you’re just stopping through, visiting relatives or working on a job, be sure to check out Lakeview Liquor. You’ll be met with a smile, a friendly chat, and an extensive selection to choose from, and you’ll leave with a feeling of being welcomed in this small rural town.
