You’re driving down Roswell Road, maybe heading home after a long shift, and you realize you need a decent bottle of bourbon or a crisp white for dinner. For decades, the go-to answer for locals in Sandy Springs was Parmans Fine Wines & Spirits. It was that familiar spot in the Abernathy Square Shopping Plaza where the staff actually knew the difference between a Highland and an Islay scotch.
But if you’ve swung by lately, you might have noticed the sign looks a little different. Or maybe the energy inside has shifted.
Things change. Businesses evolve. Honestly, the story of what happened to this local staple is a classic example of the "neighborhood shop" transitioning into a new era of retail. It’s not just about selling booze; it’s about how a small business survives in a world dominated by big-box giants like Total Wine.
What Happened to Parmans Fine Wines & Spirits?
Let’s get the big news out of the way first because people get confused when they see the old name online but a different logo on the building. Back in late 2021, specifically around December 30th, the Sandy Springs City Council gave the green light for a change of ownership.
The shop at 6623 Roswell Rd was officially taken over by Shiven Liquors 2, LLC.
Basically, the storefront known as Parmans Fine Wines & Spirits transitioned to become Sam’s Liquors 2.
The new owner, Harnesh Ghanshyam Patel, wasn't new to the game. He already ran the original Sam’s Liquors over on State Bridge Road in Alpharetta. When the deal went through, it marked the end of an era for the "Parman’s" brand name in that specific location, but it didn't mean the shop disappeared. It just got a facelift and a new management style.
Some people were worried. You know how it goes. You find a place with a "vibe" and you don't want it to become a generic, dusty warehouse.
📖 Related: How to Quantify Productivity Without Killing Your Team’s Morale
The good news? The new management leaned hard into aesthetics. They cleaned up the interior, brightened the lighting, and organized the shelves so you don’t feel like you’re in a treasure hunt just to find a bottle of Tanqueray. They kept that "small business" feel but polished the edges.
Why People Still Talk About the Parman’s Legacy
Why does the name still carry weight? Founded way back in 1983, Parmans Fine Wines & Spirits wasn't just another liquor store. It was part of the Sandy Springs fabric for nearly forty years.
In the retail world, forty years is basically a century.
They built a reputation on two things: hard-to-find tequilas and a wine selection that didn't feel like it was picked by an algorithm. When you walk into a store and the person behind the counter can actually explain the "terroir" of a Malbec without sounding like they’re reading a script, you tend to come back.
The Tequila Factor
One thing that really put them on the map—and something the new ownership has reportedly tried to maintain—was the premium tequila selection. We aren't just talking about the gold-labeled stuff you see in every college bar. They curated high-end reposados and extra añejos that serious collectors would hunt for.
Honestly, finding a shop that treats tequila with the same respect as a fine Bordeaux is rarer than you'd think.
The Customer Service Shift
Under the old brand, some reviews were... let’s say, mixed toward the end. There were complaints about pricing and a bit of "old shop" clutter.
When the switch to Sam’s Liquors 2 happened, the feedback loop changed. Most locals noted a significant jump in friendliness. It’s that weird phenomenon where a change in ownership breathes new life into the staff. They started offering more special orders too. If you wanted a specific bottle of wine that wasn't on the shelf, they’d actually try to track it down for you instead of just pointing you to the nearest "similar" item.
Is It Still Worth the Visit?
You’ve got options. Sandy Springs isn’t exactly a desert when it comes to spirits. But there’s something about the Roswell and Abernathy intersection that keeps people coming back to this specific spot.
The convenience is a big part of it. Being in Abernathy Square means you can grab your groceries, hit the hardware store, and then pop into the liquor store all in one loop.
📖 Related: Why Race on Job Application Forms Still Feels So Weird for Everyone Involved
But the real draw now is the organization.
If you’re the type of shopper who hates wandering through aisles of dusty "airplane bottles" just to find a decent Pinot Noir, the updated layout is a godsend. Everything is neat. It’s well-lit. It feels like a boutique but keeps the prices competitive enough that you don’t feel like you’re paying a "convenience tax."
Navigating the Selection Today
Even though the name on the receipt says Sam’s, the spirit of Parmans Fine Wines & Spirits—that focus on being a "neighborhood" shop—is still there.
- The Wine Section: It’s heavily curated. You'll find the staples (your Josh Cellars, your La Marca), but look closer and there are some interesting imports from Italy and Portugal that you won't find at the grocery store.
- Craft Spirits: They have a surprising amount of local Georgia-distilled products. Supporting local isn't just a trend; it's often where the best flavor profiles are hiding.
- The "Quick Stop" Vibe: Despite the "fine wine" in the name, they aren't snobby. You can get a 12-pack of domestic beer or a high-end mezcal in the same trip.
A Word on the "Other" Parmans
If you search for the name online, you might see some results for a place in Sandy Springs and then maybe something about "Perman Wine" in Chicago.
Don't get them confused.
Perman Wine in Chicago (run by Craig Perman) is a completely different animal focused on a "order-then-stock" model. It’s a cool concept, but it’s not our Sandy Springs staple. Similarly, there’s a "Wichita Fine Wine & Spirits" out in Kansas. Different state, different owners, different vibe.
The Parmans Fine Wines & Spirits we’re talking about is strictly a Georgia story. It’s a story of a long-standing local brand that served its time and then passed the torch to a new owner who understood that the community still wanted a high-quality, local choice for their bar carts.
Actionable Tips for Your Next Visit
If you’re heading over to the old Parman’s location (now Sam’s Liquors 2), keep these things in mind to get the most out of your trip:
- Ask About the New Arrivals: The staff updates the stock regularly. Ask what just came in that isn't on the "featured" endcap yet. This is usually where the gems are.
- Check the Special Order Policy: If you have a favorite wine from a vacation or a specific bourbon you saw online, ask them if they can order it. Since they are part of a multi-store network now, they have more leverage with distributors.
- Look for the Tequila Gems: Even if you aren't a "tequila person," check out that section. The curation there is still a step above most neighborhood shops.
- Verify the Hours: They generally stay open late (often until 11:45 PM on weekdays), which is a lifesaver, but Sunday hours are shorter, usually closing around 11:30 PM.
The transition from Parmans Fine Wines & Spirits to Sam's Liquors 2 represents more than just a name change. It’s a modernization of a local landmark. You still get the expertise, but now it comes with a cleaner floor and a more streamlined experience.
💡 You might also like: International Paper Buena Park: What’s Actually Happening Inside That Massive Plant
Next time you’re in Abernathy Square, take a second to look past the new sign. The legacy of a shop that’s been around since '83 is still there in the selection and the way they treat the regulars.
To ensure you are getting the best experience at this location, always bring a valid ID—even if you've been a regular since the 80s—as new ownership often implements stricter compliance checks to protect their license. Check their current inventory on local delivery apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats before driving over if you are looking for a very specific vintage, as stock fluctuates quickly in this high-traffic area of Sandy Springs.