Streator Liquors opening in half of the former Streator Drugs site

Streator resident and Woodland High School graduate Patrick Seaman is opening a new liquor store, Streator Liquors, at the former location of Streator Drugs, 109 E. Main St., in the spot where the liquor and gift shops formerly resided.

He’s aiming to open Monday, Jan. 20, but that date isn’t set in stone.

“I saw the need in the community after Streator Drugs closed,” Seaman said of the November closure of the pharmacy/liquor store/gift shop. “I’d like to keep it different. I want to pick up where Streator Drugs left off.”

The store will provide spirits and domestic beer, along with a rotating cast of craft beers as the seasons pass.

Seaman said he’s already talked to a few of the former Streator Drugs employees about working at the store.

“I wanted to come back to town and add to this Main Street,” Seaman said. “Main Street is more populated now than I’ve ever seen it and we’re in a better location.”

Seaman said the business also is adding an ATM and it will sell lottery tickets.

The inside of the building still is in the process of being remodeled but a fresh paint job, an office and some more standing coolers are already in place.

Seaman wants the inside of the building to be modern.

“Everybody already has their drink of choice in place but I don’t want this to just be a liquor store,” Seaman said. “I want to cater to Streator and the customers. I wanted to add a little flair to what was already here.”

The other half of the building is vacant at this time.