It used to store valuables and cash, but the sturdy steel vault at the former Bank of America building in Snoqualmie is now a repository for wine and spirits.

“I like the whole bank vault thing,” said patron Neill Hoover, who was among customers who discovered – or rediscovered – the Sno-Valley Liquor store at its new downtown Snoqualmie location.

The liquor store reopened Friday, April 11 at 38565 River Street. Manager Sandy LeMoine was jumping for joy that afternoon, as a steady stream of customers flowed into the store during its first day in business after some five months of closure.

“We’re open!” said LeMoine. “It was very hard not to have a store in the [Upper] Valley.”

Since the North Bend location closed last fall due to a problem with chemical smells in the Valley Plaza building, patrons had to travel to Fall City or Issaquah to buy spirits.

“It was such an incovenience,” said North Bend resident Barbara Larson, who stopped by Friday for some Chablis wine.

With the reopening in Snoqualmie, “I’m happy as can be,” she added.

“I think it’s great to have them back,” said Tammy Niehaus of Snoqualmie.

“I’m sure it will be nice for the neighborhood,” said longtime patron Sheena Rainey of Snoqualmie.

“It’s nice and quiet,” said LeMoine, who added that there’s plenty of parking.

The Snoqualmie location is only temporary.

A new location in North Bend at Mountain Valley Center is under construction, slated to open in early 2009.

The business reopened with extended hours. Store hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, closed on Sunday. Call the store at (425) 888-2624.