In a story that could be made unto a Hallmark movie, a Wayland couple is trying to live the American Dream in an unusual way and they must overcome hurdles.
Nissa Smith and Anthony Winters have forged not only a rekindled romance, but also a business alliance that’s challenging the humdrum, the customary, the tried and true. The two dated in high school, went their separate ways and married others, divorced and then somehow were reunited to dare to be bold entrepreneurs in small town America.
The two first got together to take a chance by purchasing the Jayda Gale Distillery on South Main Street in downtown Wayland. Somehow, they wanted to relocate their 4 One 2, featuring arcade games, to another business site and chose the old Quanset Hut site next to the VFW post on South Main Street, across the street from the legendary, but now defunct, Dog ’N Suds restaurant.
However, as has been customary for Smith and Winters, another challenge presented itself in the form of infrastructure. Though they were able to obtain the necessary zoning specifications and a liquor license to offer distilled spirits, like they did at 4 One 2 downtown, a state and city street construction project has made it difficult for motorists to gain access.
Winters this past week posted on Facebook, “The best way to travel to us is from Reno Drive to 133rd Avenue then to Main Street. No way to get to us from town as of now.
“We know the roads have to be fixed and (we’re) looking forward to the completion come September.
As as of now, the sign says ‘Road Closed.’This is simply not true. The road is open to one lane of traffic. What is also true is that sometimes they need to put a giant truck and tractor in the middle of the road just to work on it.
“If you order delivery, please allow us a bit of extra travel time as we have to go all around the city just to get to Locust Street (for example).”
Winters and Smith tend to be a couple of ambitious workaholic-style business people. They also have been the heart and soul behind the “Balloon Fest” celebration every September just north of town at the Calkins Field airport. The third such festival is being planned for later this year.
But right now, Wayland’s perhaps most ambitious and undaunted movers and shakers must concentrate on staying afloat during times when people face challenges just to get to the business location.
The 4 One 2 offers a huge variety of tacos, arcade games, spirits, occasional live music and now even a Trivia Night contest every Wednesday evening.
Smith and Winters have survived their challenges thus far. One thing nobody can accuse them of is being lazy.
Our entire family are huge fans for 4 One 2. The arcade is a nice, affordable, family friendly place to bring the entire crew on an afternoon! We enjoy it so much that we celebrated our oldest son’s 7th birthday there this February where he and his friends (all of us, really) could enjoy all of the pop, snacks, and gaming that we could handle!