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# Korean-Style Bodega Wine Shops
Uncle Mikey’s Bodega Has Transformed into a Wine Shop

By Grace Mahas | Published 2021-06-10 | Lifestyle
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/uncle-mikeys-bodega
References: [torontolife](https://torontolife.com/food/torontos-best-new-bottle-shops/?ddd) & [instagram](https://www.instagram.com/unclemikeysinc/?hl=en)

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the traditional avenue of purchasing alcohol has shifted due to in-store travel restrictions. Places like [Uncle Mikey's Bodega](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toronto-eaton-centre-store), a Korean-style restaurant beloved for its made-to-order, authentic food, have shifted to become wine shops and takeout food establishments in an effort to continue serving its customers.

The restaurant-turned-wine-shop boasts a "vast array of stellar sakes, and wines from cult producers like Italy’s Radikon and Austria’s [Gut Oggau](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gut-feeling-by-gut-oggau)." Customers can go in person and browse the shelves, enjoying the eclectic ambiance, or opt to order via [Ubereats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sugar-cookie-1) or Ritual.

UncleMikey's Bodega is open on Wednesdays to Sundays from 12:00 PM to 9:30 PM and is located at 1597 Dundas St, W, in Toronto, Ontario.

Image Credit: Uncle Mikey’s Bodega

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 2.9/10
- Popularity: 53% | Activity: 24% | Freshness: 10%
- Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women
- Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X
- Top markets: North America

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Drinking](https://www.trendhunter.com/drinking)

## Key Themes

### Why This Trend Is Growing

- **Bodega-turned-wine-shops:** Disruptive innovation opportunity for small retailers to pivot from traditional sales channels to wine retail in response to in-store travel restrictions.
- **Online Ordering and Food Delivery:** Disruptive innovation opportunity for small retailers to use online ordering and food delivery apps like UberEats and Ritual in response to restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- **Specialized Wine Selection:** Disruptive innovation opportunity for small retailers to differentiate themselves by offering a specialized wine selection from cult producers to cater to the more adventurous and sophisticated wine enthusiast.

### Industries Being Reshaped

- **Restaurants:** Restaurants can pivot into wine retail to stay afloat amidst the COVID-19 restrictions and reach a wider audience by offering online ordering and delivery through third-party apps.
- **Small Retailers:** Small retailers can pivot from traditional sales channels to wine retail, cater to the more sophisticated wine enthusiast and differentiate themselves through a more specialized wine selection.
- **Wine Industry:** Wine producers, especially those in the niche market, can find new distribution channels through small retailers, and leverage online ordering and delivery services to reach a wider market.

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