A smashing idea! Bay County's newest wine bar concept is self-serve. Peek inside the PCB spot
PANAMA CITY BEACH — It's been a one-woman show for Madison Rose as she followed her dream to open Smashed Wine Bar, Bay County's first self-serve wine bar.
Rose's idea to open a wine bar came to life after spending three years managing a similar business concept in North Carolina. The love she grew for the concept led her to open her own business when she moved to Bay County, where she began searching for the perfect building and putting her life savings into it. Now, she's turned her dream into a reality and starting her journey as the founder and owner of Smashed.
Memorial Day activities: Cookoffs to Kent-Forest Lawn ceremony: Here are 9 Bay County Memorial Day Weekend events
Coming soon to Bay County: Build-your-own bowls, Dole Soft Serve: Chain restaurant Island Fin Poké opening in Bay County
Rose said it had been a smooth three-month journey as everything fell into place for her, and she's worked tirelessly every day to open her business. She held a soft opening May 19 and anticipates having a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony within the next two weeks as she adds the finishing touches.
"I've had an outpouring of support from the community since day one, and my following grows every day because of that," Rose said. "It feels nice to know that people love my ideas and appreciate them."
Smashed is located at 7119 W. U.S. 98 in the Beachwalk shopping center in Panama City Beach. Scheduled hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 5-11 p.m.
Flavors from all over the world
Smashed got its name from the process of creating wine by "smashing grapes," Rose said. The name stuck with her after she weighed hundreds of options.
The new wine bar features flavors from all over the world, including 12 self-serve wine options, handcrafted wines, hard seltzers and Delta-8 infused drinks. Rose said her more popular selections include a raspberry lemonade, ginger beer, honey and prosecco mixture called Honey Girl, and a fruit punch and key lime mixture with a touch of rosé called Florida Man. In addition, all beverages include a freeze-dried fruit or candy topping.
As a women's advocate, Rose said she stays open-minded to all and hopes to create a friendly environment. The interior design features painted butterflies by local artist Sara Gramlich spread across the walls.
"I want Smashed to be a safe, welcoming place where no one feels judged, and they can be themselves," she said. "For me, a butterfly represents someone coming out of their shell and being exactly who they are, and that's what I want to see."
What's still to come
However, there's more than wine that customers can look forward to at Smashed. As the newest community hub, Smashed will incorporate a daily theme that creates a memorable outing for anyone. Rose said she plans to announce the themes on social media near the opening date.
She wants to expand the business eventually but first wants to focus on the business' success once she fully opens. Some expansion plans include adding a charcuterie board to the menu, having local food trucks and live music in rotation, extended hours, and artificial turf and swings to the common outdoor area. Rose said her long-term goal is to open more locations and eventually have a speakeasy.
"This journey has been amazing, and I never thought I'd come this far, but here I am," Rose said. "I really want people to know that anything is possible no matter where you come from or what you do."
Smashed is actively hiring, and Rose hopes she can find a strong team before her grand opening. She encourages the community to follow Smashed Wine Bar on Facebook for updates on the opening date.
This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Smashed Wine Bar bringing self-serve concept to Panama City Beach
