Popular Wasilla restaurant up for sale

A local restaurant and wine bar with national credits is up for sale.

The Grape Tap, a landmark Wasilla eatery since 2009, recognized by The Wine Spectator magazine for its impressive wine cellar, is set for its next chapter. Owners Casey and Kristin Cook announced on Facebook in mid-October that they are seeking new owners for the restaurant to “elevate it to the next level”. In the meantime, the Cooks say they are in no hurry to move on and that local diners should know The Grape Tap is still open during regular hours and operating as normal.

“The only difference is that it is for sale,” Kristin Cook said. “Our desire is for the sale to be a turnkey process, and that The Grape Tap continues to provide the excellent food and service that customers know they can expect.” She said she is hopeful that new culinary heights are in store for the restaurant after the sale.

“My hope is that the next owner has the time and energy to make it so much more.”

The Cooks are well-acquainted with the time and energy required to run a successful restaurant. They have owned The Grape Tap since June 2015. But Kristin Cook has been around since day one, when she worked as a server and bartender there, helping to put the restaurant on area foodies’ radar. Now, with their two teen-ish children growing, the Cooks are eyeing more quality family time. But they agreed their decision was not an easy one to make.

“In the past two years, we realized even more that our children are reaching an age where they need their mom’s and dad’s full attention,” Casey Cook said. “We fear our focus will become less on Grape Tap than it deserves.”

A death in the family over the summer was the final motivator. “I realized after losing my father that family is the most important thing in my life,” Kristin said. “These next seven years with our kids still at home will fly by, and I don’t want to miss anything due to work.” That sense of family was never far from day-to-day restaurant operation. Kristin credits her husband with helping keep her on track through some of the rougher days. “I have definitely learned the importance of having a good partner,” she said. “It has been a lot easier with the support, trust, and – sometimes – the kick in the ass from Casey.”

In an industry with high turnover, keeping staff around often requires more than just a paycheck. Making staff feel like family, too, has been a key component to the success of The Grape Tap.

“I am proud that I have been able to retain crew members for so long. I truly care about them and try to make their employment fun, fair, flexible, and worth the effort,” Kristin said. “Our crew is what sets The Grape Tap apart from other restaurants. Guests feel that pride and professionalism from our crew and they truly have an experience, not just a dinner.”

Grape Tap veteran Lisa Davis has worked alongside Kristin Cook since the early days, under the previous owner. A kindergarten teacher by day, she continues to punch the clock on weekends, assisting as a server, bartender, and occasional presenter at the restaurant’s popular themed wine tastings.

“I value Kristin as a boss and as a friend. She really cares about all of our guests and has an extensive knowledge of food and wine,” Davis said. “She will be missed.” The Cooks called their Grape Tap ownership “the experience of a lifetime”, one that provided lessons that will stay with them long after they leave.

“I've learned so much about myself personally and about the compassion of others when I have not been my best self,” Kristin said. “I have learned to stand up for myself, my crew and my business. I have learned that the people you surround yourself with can make or break you.”

Through all of the ups and downs, she said, one of the biggest surprises has been how hard, yet how rewarding self-employment can be.

“I have struggled with infrastructure issues, operational issues, and a worldwide pandemic. But I have also met some of the best people and realized how strong I can be,” Kristin said. “I feel like I have learned the true meaning of community, and that I will walk away with a better sense of what is important, how to be a better person, and how to have grace for myself and others.”

The Cooks credited the community with making their Grape Tap tenure so memorable.

“We would not be successful or even still in business if it were not for the people of the Valley,” Kristin said. “People here are genuine and sincere. It has been a true honor to serve them.”