Pioppi’s Package Store
Rooted in Plymouth’s History
~ By Jonathan Scott, Photography by Susan Hagstrom
Pioppi’s Package Store, The South Shore’s oldest liquor retailer has endured the tests of time. In recent years, the shop has garnered 14 “Best Liquor Store” awards from readers of Plymouth’s Old Colony Memorial newspaper and was honored as Massachusetts Beverage Retailer of the Year in 2009.
Now run by Peter Balboni, grandson of founder Anthony Pioppi, the store was officially licensed on December 5, 1933; the day that Prohibition was lifted in the United States. Pioppi, along with Louis Knife of L Knife and Son, would later ride into Plymouth with the first legal shipment of beer in over 13 years. Almost 80 years later, the store is still known for its vast selection of products, its community involvement, and the staff’s dedication to customer service.
In addition to the expected array of beer, wine and liquor, Pioppi’s boasts a huge “craft beer” section, which highlights local Massachusetts products. The store includes a home brewing supply section that draws amateur winemakers and brewers from all over southeastern Massachusetts and their cigar humidor is filled with over 100 selections. Their summer “Wine Cruise” series and winter “Sunday School” seminars have been regular sell outs for a decade now. “We really try to provide a little something for everyone”, says Balboni. “You can’t survive 80 years in this business without being a little bit more than just a package store”.
In 2007, the Pioppi’s family expanded with the addition of A Plus Party Rentals, a full service event supply company featuring certified and insured professional bartenders. Whether it’s a backyard graduation party for just your immediate family or a lavish wedding for 300, the Pioppi’s/A Plus partnership can provide for all of your needs. They can furnish your party with the requisite chairs, tables, linens, and glassware and can add a little something extra. The A Plus Tiki Bar has become a fixture at charity events all over the south shore and a full sized bar-b-que pig smoker has recently been added to the line-up.
The store supports a number of local charities and has put together events for the Plymouth 400 Commemoration, Duxbury’s 375th, The Jordan Hospital Club and Plymouth Library, among others. “We’re a family run store and we’ve been a part of this community for a long time”, Peter Balboni said about his store’s philanthropic endevours. “There are some great organizations doing some great work on the South Shore and we’re happy to be able to help them build a stronger sense of place among local residents”.
Pioppi’s publishes a weekly newsletter, as well as online columns which review new and interesting products. Balboni can regularly be seen driving through town in his 1938 Ford pickup emblazoned with the store name. Pioppi’s delivers – though rarely in the antique truck – and they are known for their elaborate gift baskets. It’s the history, the service, and the sense of community that keep people coming back to this local institution, though.
183 Court Street, Plymouth
508-746-1943
Hours: Mon – Sat: 8am – 11pm
Sun: 12-5pm
