Urban River Spirits is celebrating one year open with a 'shopaversary'

One year ago, Urban River Spirits opened up their shop in Forest Grove.

To celebrate, the handcrafted, nonalcoholic mixer company is pulling out all the stops Saturday April 5 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. for a "shopaversary" with tastings of their product, a guest distiller, snacks by Sundial Baking, prizes, and more.

Forest Grove wife-and-wife duo Michelle Garner and Jackie Garner cofounded Urban River Spirits in June 2023, set up a booth at their first farmers market in July 2023, and officially opened their shop in April 2024.

"It has been a whirlwind, but it has been FUN," Michelle Garner said in an email to News in the Grove.

"We live in Forest Grove, so opening a brick-and-mortar shop here made sense," Michelle said."

The two are active in the community — Michelle serves on the board of directors for West Tuality Habitat for Humanity, Jackie volunteers "whenever she can" —and have become even more involved since opening up shop on Main Street just north of 21st Avenue.

"Urban River is all about fun and bringing people together. While our product is cocktail mixers and garnishes, with plans to expand our product line in the near future, the goal behind the success of Urban River Spirits is to give back," Michelle explained.

Here's what to expect at the event:

• Tastings of Urban River products ("When you open a bottle of Urban River Spirits, you can always expect a delicious mixer packed with flavor," said Michelle)
• Guest tastings from Hillsboro-based Drop Shop Distillery
• Baked goods from Forest Grove-based Sundial Baking
• Small-batch chocolate from Hillsboro-based Stache Chocolate
• Brittle from Forest Grove-based Sweet Treats By George
• Forest Grove's Franko's Hot Dogs will be on hand
• Forest Grove's Willow & Ash has contributed a free giveaway to the event

Inside the shop (just before Parr Lumber if you're headed north on Main Street) on a regular day, customers can taste mixers, buy a bottle, and explore Urban River merch, Michelle said.

After a year open in their own space, the two have experienced their share of lessons learned, bumps, and " knockouts when you least expect it," Michelle said.

"But we always return to the belief that "We are where we are because we are meant to be here. We will figure it out, if we stay the course," Michelle said.

"I have learned to keep an eye on the prize," Michelle added. For her, that means making Urban River Spirits a place people that people enjoy, and, she added, a place the people could eventually work at, too.

"I have to remember, don't panic," Jackie Garner said. "It will work out, but we always have to be on the lookout for an opportunity to help our business grow and to help those around us. Remember, your customers aren't just your customers but your friends," she said.

Urban River Spirits is located at 2114 Main Street.

More information can be found on their website.