The red and white awning still says \Madison's Happiest Corner,"" but the ownership of Badger Liquor, 402 State St., has changed hands.
Jong Yean Lee took ownership of Badger Liquor July 4. She also owns Riley's Wines of the World, 402 W. Gorham St.
Lee said the two stores should complement each other because they have different customer bases.
""We have different customers over there,"" Lee said. ""[There are] more people from out of town on State Street.""
Andy Beaulieu, a manager at Badger Liquor and Riley's, said Badger Liquor gets more foot traffic than Riley's does.
""It's a good way to improve business, adding another store,"" Beaulieu said.
Lee said Badger Liquor has a large selection, but if people are looking for something only found at Riley's, employees can refer them to the other store.
Renovations have already begun in Badger Liquor's interior with painting, new light fixtures and a new cooler, improvements that have garnered customer feedback.
Of Badger Liquor, Ron Harris, manager at Riley's, said ""A lot of people say it looks a lot nicer.""
Lee said the cooler is one improvement customers appreciate, with some noting they no longer have to put beer inside the freezer.
The new management of Badger Liquor plans to focus especially on promoting Wisconsin wines and beer. A large sign displaying logos of Wisconsin beers greets customers as they enter the store.
Lee said she hopes to eventually have wine tastings at Badger Liquor. However, she would need a permit from the Alcohol License Review Committee, and so wine tastings will not be offered until at least mid-November, Lee said.
According to The Capital Times, former owner Drew Grodsky had run Badger Liquor for more than 30 years before he filed for bankruptcy last December.
