Vino Cellars closes Branson-area shop

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Vino Cellars has closed one of its two shops.

Co-owner Matt Bekebrede announced the closure of Vino Cellars at the Lake in a March 2 Facebook post. The last day in business was March 9 for the store at 15038 Business Highway 13, located between Branson West and Kimberling City.

Bekebrede said that with him and his wife both teaching full time and running a pair of Vino Cellars shops, something had to give.

"I've come to realize in the last six to eight months that I can't do everything," Bekebrede said in the Facebook video announcement. "I can't operate multiple locations as well as teach full time and be a good father, be a good husband and be there for my family.

"This decision is based solely on looking to take one thing off my plate."

Vino Cellars at the Lake opened in 2014, according to past Springfield Business Journal reporting. The first store, which launched in 2007 and operates at 2137 W. Republic Road in Springfield, remains open for business.

Bekebrede said in the Facebook video that the Branson-area store was doing well financially.

"The business has continued to grow," he said. "We're walking away in a good position."

In a separate Facebook post, Vino Cellars at the Lake is soliciting new owners for the lakefront property that has a two-bedroom Airbnb. The post reads, “This turnkey opportunity is the perfect canvas for creating a vibrant community space.”

Vino Cellars serves as a retail wine shop, and it also operates a wine club and private events.

The company first started as a Vino 100 franchise before becoming independent in 2012, according to past reporting.