Wine Squared has been a part of Denton for over a decade, serving up wines of all styles and classes, delicious meat and cheese boards, and hosting a variety events throughout the year from taco nights (yes, we said tacos) to their always popular last Sunday Brunch, and live Jazz. The back patio is the perfect hideaway off the square, a pleasant and relaxing secluded corner away from the hustle and bustle, where you can enjoy a glass of wine and conversation. Their staff always greets you like an old friend, and we can’t forget those sweet picnic baskets for when you want to take your wine to go and enjoy a night on the courthouse lawn under the lights.

Owner Brook Ray has seen the criss cross streets of downtown change and evolve, all while staying true to her mission of providing an atmosphere that feels like home. Where it’s not about collecting customers, but creating lifelong friendships with her guests. Juggling being a mom and the always demanding requirements of being a business owner, the opportunity presented itself for her to let someone into the fold and share the responsibility of owning and operating a small business, that will allow her to enjoy the time she has with her daughter.

“George Ferrie has worked for me before and is a long time friend. He knows Wine Squared, and you could say the “Wine Ferrie” has officially arrived,” says Ray of her new business partner, George Ferrie. Ferrie left Wine Squared for a management position at Cool Beans off Fry St., when the opportunity for advancement wasn’t available at Denton’s favorite wine bar. The need to continue to grow himself as an individual and progress into his career led him to the other side of Ft. Worth Dr. and into the bar scene of Fry. Ray was getting spread thin, and after her divorce wasn’t able to dedicate the time she wanted to spend with her daughter when she would stay with her each week. “Being a mother is first, and the business comes second,” explains Ray, and as luck would have it drinks with an old friend would turn into the solutions she was looking for.

Ferrie shares the same passion for customer service, hospitality, and wine that Ray always holds to a high standard in her business. Having a business partner who hits on the same wave length is a diamond in the rough, and each are excited about this new journey they are embarking on together, as a team. Long time customers look forward to having Ferrie return, and the burden of running a business is no longer something Ray has to tackle on her own. You can still catch Ray behind the bar, talking with old friends, and making new ones, but the roles will be split throughout the week.

Photo by Tiffany Johnson
Header image design by Sara Button