MORGANTOWN — When you walk into Slight Indulgence, you’ll eventually get around to seeing a poster on the wall.
That’s after you work your way through all the labels on all the wine bottles in the shop, located at 3200 Collins Ferry Road, in a commercial cranny just off Morgantown’s main drive in Evansdale.
That’s after your nose takes on an olfactory journey of all the chocolates and cigars to be had in the place.
And of all that coffee, in various incarnations.
Anyway, the poster: “Challenge yourself,” it reads. “Crack something new.”
In the case of this married couple — who turned their shop into a regional brand for foodies, wine connoisseurs and those who simply appreciate the finer things — that poster is just as much about their collective philosophy of life as it is their business inventory.
After 35 years, the Warmans have decided to retire and put Slight Indulgence up for sale. More on that.
“I want to do some more traveling,” Suzy Warman said. “And I have ‘grandmotherly’ things to do.”
“I’ll get around to trying some new things,” mused J.C., “after I sleep for six months.”
What espresso?
Coffee keeps you awake (speaking of sleep), and coffee was a main consideration when they founded Slight Indulgence in 1983, in downtown Morgantown.
They rented space in the Metropolitan Theatre building, back in those caffeine-blighted downtown days when coffee came burnt — via the industrial Bunn machine in the break room at work.
“We definitely filled a niche,” Suzy said, Monday morning, as she readied for the lunch crowd.
J.C. knew what customers wanted, because he grew up in the grocery business.
He was barely in his 20s when he was promoted up to manager for a major store chain — and he made note each time his customers would ask for something that his then-employer didn’t stock.
The couple knew what they liked. J.C. enjoyed wine and cigars. Suzy, who was also about wine and loved fine chocolate, was more than at home in the kitchen.
They were 10 years into their marriage, with four young children, when they lit out in ‘83.
They were confident, J.C. said.
Sort of.
“Those first days weren’t easy, but Suzy was always creative and I knew how to listen to people,” J.C. said. “That’s what we both brought.”
“J.C. always wanted his own business,” Suzy said.
It didn’t take long for Slight Indulgence to more than slightly outgrow its Met location. A move to 407 High St. followed, then the 3200 Collins Ferry Road location.
The Warman family operated their downtown and Evansdale shops until 2014, when they shuttered the High Street location to go exclusively with the Collins Ferry Road shop, which they say offers an alternative to the bustle of downtown.
Notice the word, “family.” All four children — son, Jayce and daughters Jocelyn, Janna and Jessica all grew up working in the shop.
Jayce lives and works in Parkersburg, and Jocelyn is making her way in New York City, but Janna and Jessica continue on as Slight Indulgence employees with their parents.
Jessica’s young son and daughter, in fact, are also growing up among the family business environs, in keeping with the tradition.
“Tradition,” is the word.
The family never missed attending Catholic Mass, no matter how busy it got in the shop.
Working and learning
For Janna, it was the perfect education. She’s learned the particulars of running a business while watching two entrepreneur parents who produced with preaching.
“It was just them, leading by example,” Janna said.
“They definitely taught me the value of hard work,” Jessica said. “And I’m glad my kids are getting to spend time here.”
People who shop Slight Indulgence these days get to spend time with wines from West Virginia vineyards, while enjoying chocolates from Bissinger’s and other brands.
There’s an array of Rocky Patel and Arturo Fuente cigars (other top names there, too) plus a line of organic pet foods.
Don’t forget a menu of platters, Panini sandwiches, soups, salads for lunch, along with a dinner menu every Friday night.
And the signature gift baskets, custom-made every time.
‘Community’ on the menu
Over the years, Slight Indulgence has also offered its space for art and photography exhibits.
During the Christmas season of 2001, while the region and country was still trying to process the Sept. 11 terror attacks, Slight Indulgence donated 1 percent of every holiday sale made that year to Mon County Habitat for Humanity, which helps build houses for people who might not own a home otherwise.
“They’re just part of the community,” said Kathy Martin, whose KLM Properties firm is overseeing the sale.
Martin preferred not to discuss a sale price or any particulars of the purchase for this article.
Interested buyers, however, may call her at 304-685-6171.
She did say that the sale includes the Slight Indulgence name, should a new owner want to keep the brand going.
The husband and wife who founded the shop with that name, said while they’ll miss the place, they are also looking forward to new adventures to come — wherever and whatever they may be.
Just like the poster.
“Change is good,” J.C. said
