8-15-13 A unique bistro and wine bar fills a niche in Grants Pass, Oregon

One of the themes I have repeated in this blog is the marketing value of having a business that fills a unique niche.

Recently, my husband and I were driving home from California to Washington, and we stopped at Grants Pass, Oregon to spend a night.  We asked for a dinner recommendation from the desk person at our motel and she strongly urged us to go to The Twisted Cork for dinner.

The Twisted Cork is located in Downtown Grants Pass.  When we entered, we found ourselves in a very different restaurant world, a place that seemed like something we would find hidden away on Capitol Hill in Seattle.  The inside was intimate, warm, tasteful and comfortable, with no TV screens on the walls.  There were tall chairs and tables, regular-size chairs and tables, and couches with small tables.  Our hostess said, “Choose the seating style that is most comfortable for you.”

I chatted with one of the owners, Beth Forshay, who with her partner, Leanne Eaton, opened this wine bar and restaurant in November 2011.  Although they had retail experience neither had owned a restaurant before, but they shared a desire to create something special in this small city.  They had several fortunate strokes of luck (including husbands who were totally supportive of this venture), and were especially grateful to find a chef who could create wonderful Northwest cuisine, with an Italian twist, using local products. They serve wines from the local Oregon wineries.

Beth and Leanne strongly believe in providing superior customer service.  They, and the rest of the staff, engage with the customers and make sure the food and service measure up to the expectations of those visiting The Twisted Cork.  They are understandably proud that The Twisted Cork is currently the number 1 rated restaurant (out of 89) for Grants Pass on TripAdvisor.

I usually promote Whidbey Island businesses, but if you’re ever in Grants Pass, Oregon, and you visit The Twisted Cork, you will see a great example of a business that has developed its own niche.   Their website: http://www.thetwistedcorkgrantspass.com/