Happiest Hours founders recount years-long effort to open wine and spirits shop in Corona City

Alana Morrissey, a co‑founder of Happiest Hours, told a city council meeting that the family‑run wine and spirits shop began as an idea in February 2019 and required personal sacrifices and community backing to open in Corona City.

Morrissey said the business team sold their home and a car to finance the venture and worked to convince local officials and residents that the shop would be more than "your corner liquor store." "Trust and believe that this will not be like anything that you've ever seen," she said.

The founders framed the shop as a community hub where "a lot of connections sometimes happen over a cocktail or a mocktail," Morrissey said. She described plans to hire bartenders to "elevate everyday experiences," host weekly tastings and invite suppliers or brand owners to pour on behalf of their portfolios.

Charles Reindorf, speaking from Happiest Hours, said the business relied on visual storytelling and outside endorsements to persuade local reviewers and regulators. Morrissey credited an organization called Metro of Maine with early support, saying, "Metro of Maine said, yes. We think you have something interesting here, and that was the first star." She also said members of the local Chamber of Commerce have visited the shop.

Morrissey described unexpected personal growth from the experience. "The most beautiful part of this has been the community aspect of it," she said. She added that customers bringing families to the shop felt like "a huge compliment and such an honor." The transcript indicates these remarks were made during public comments at a city council meeting; it does not record any formal council action on the shop.

Founders offered a brief timeline and operations details in their remarks: the concept originated in February 2019; the business will host weekly tastings; staffing plans include hiring bartenders; and the shop expects to bring in outside suppliers and brand representatives for events. They described ongoing outreach to the Chamber and to city officials but did not specify permits, licenses, or formal approvals pending or received.

The founders' account highlights local and private support rather than government funding. Other specifics such as lease terms, investment amounts, licensing status and any council decisions were not specified in the meeting transcript.

For now, Morrissey and Reindorf emphasized community-building and said they view Happiest Hours as a social venue for neighbors, families and visitors rather than a typical liquor store.