Business changes owners but not direction | Jamestown News

Walk into Potent Potables, a bar at 115 E. Main St. in Jamestown, and everyone might not know your name. But linger a while and you may be surprised at old friends you may see and new friendships you may form. For over 13 years, that is the feel owners Steve and Abby Kim worked to create and what its new owners want to continue.

The transfer of ownership for Potent Potables was seamless. The Kims closed their business on Jan. 31 and Melody Lowman opened it the following day. Snow fell continuously on the 31th and by the next day there was approximately 12 inches covering the ground.

“We were fortunate to have a packed house on both days despite the weather, so that is a testament to our wonderful Jamestown Community,” Lowman said. 

Lowman does not remember the first time she went to Potent Potables, but says she has been a patron there for about a decade and has worked behind the bar since September 2021. A former fourth grade teacher she left the classroom in 2024 and followed her interest of working in the beer industry.

“I ultimately wanted to have a place of my own to run and manage, and Potent Potables was the perfect candidate, because it’s so close to home for me,” Lowman said.

Lowman’s older sister Heather McKenzie and her husband Murphy provided financial help in the purchase of the business and Heather joined Lowman as a 50/50 partner in it. 

“Potent Potables is now a female-owned small business, which is incredible,” Lowman said. “My husband, AJ, has been instrumental with beer ordering, and he’s been working behind the bar with me each night. For now, he and I are the only employees.” 

When Potent Potables first opened it soon became more than a place to buy a drink or a bottle of wine. It became a place to gather following events along Main Street, a venue for talented musicians, a food truck location, themed party nights, food cook-offs, trivia contests and private party celebrations. Book clubs and running groups frequented the business and, of course, the nature of the establishment saw it host its share of wine tastings.

Plans are to keep Potent Potable as a family-friendly establishment and continue to host food trucks in its parking lot. There is a possibility of bringing back the Jamestown Food Truck Festival. 

“Before taking over, I partnered with Bridgid Murphy from Cakes by B’s Blue House Bakery beside us to host two local vendor events: Makersgiving Market and Jingle & Mingle Market,” Lowman said. “Our next vendor market is on the calendar for April 18. I’ve also been hosting a Pints & Plants Swap with my friend Mandy Shephard once a month since March of 2024, and that will continue. 

“Some aesthetic changes are on the way, but we want to keep the vibe the same. The Kims did an incredible job creating a safe space for all patrons to imbibe and we don’t want that to change one bit. Most of our patrons are just looking for a comfy spot to relax and unwind after a long day at work or on the weekend.”

Lowman noted that Potent Potable is special to different people for different reasons. To some, Potent Potables is where they had their first date or where their kids took their first steps. For Lowman, PoPo, as the business is affectionately called, is special because it was the first place she felt like a “regular.”

When she and her husband first started coming, she was not a huge craft beer drinker and did not know much about it. The name Gose-Mosa written with a chalk marker on the draft list caught her eye and she learned it was a Westbrook Gose with orange juice. It soon became her drink of choice and she eventually ordered one without the juice. 

“After that my tastebuds developed a love for sour beers and my palette evolved into drinking mead, stouts, and more,” she said. 

Many customers were surprised to learn Potent Potables had been sold, not knowing what to expect. But Lowman has been pleased with the positive feedback she has received with patrons greeting her with congratulations. Since she had been a past patron herself and had worked the bar on Fridays for two years, Lowman knew many of the regulars.

“We are grateful for the turnout we’ve had since we opened,” Lowman said. “Our goal is to continue to provide a safe and inviting place for everyone to come and enjoy a delicious craft beverage. I hope to make a positive impact in the community of Jamestown and promote other small businesses in the area.

“I am grateful to my husband, my sister, my brother-in-law, friends and customers who have made this dream of mine a reality.”

Potent Potables is open Tuesday-Thursday from 4 to 9 p.m., Friday from 3 to 10 p.m., Saturday from 1 to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 6 p.m.

Hours will be posted on social media so patrons will know if the business is opening early for special occasions or different times of year.