Handy Liquor in San Pablo was established in 1946 by Victor Volpi, (he also had Handy Liquors in El Cerrito). Handy liquors was originally located at 2347 N. San Pablo Avenue, in San Pablo moving into the "Haven Cabaret" at 2401 N. San Pablo Ave in San Pablo in the Spring of 1950. Today, 2347 San Pablo Avenue is in the area of stores to the left of the former Star Club at 14255 San Pablo Avenue. Note, 2401 N. San Pablo Avenue, is now the current address of Handy Liquors at 14301 San Pablo Avenue. Addresses along San Pablo Avenue changed numbering in May 1954 which eliminated the need to add "North" to the addresses in San Pablo.

Handy Liquor sponsored a semi-pro baseball team during the late 1940s, and the Volpi family was very active in the community including donating their time, services and generous contributions to the San Pablo Youth Baseball League. When Victor's son, Elvin Volpi [1923-2011] returned from the Second World War, he was put in charge as manager of the San Pablo store (eventually becoming owner).

Victor (Vittoreo) Anthony Volpi [1899-1969] born in Le Roy, New York came to California with his parents in 1919. He eventually settled in the town of Martinez during the early 1930s, where he was employed as a bartender in a local restaurant. By 1940, he was the proprietor of a restaurant at 400 Ferry Street in Martinez.

From their website (Feb 2011): "We are located in the beautiful East Bay community of San Pablo, a mile from the booming Casino San Pablo. We have been serving the community since 1946. Since these years we have served our neighborhood faithfully and honestly, and proud ourselves as one of the area liquor stores providing employment for college students and working individuals of all nationalities. We are the headquarters for all your party needs at events such as weddings, graduation, family reunion, house party, etc."

Handy Liquor has a history with customers. Got any memories or stories you'd like to share? We'd love to hear them! Click on the Comment button at the bottom of the page to go to our FB post.

Local newspaper advertisements from various years.