Old Line Fine Wine, Spirits & Bistro is not a typical area liquor store — rows of wines organized by country and beers grouped by state origin are housed inside an old Circuit City store of more than 21,000 square feet.

Tucked in the back is the bistro, which co-owner Larry Pendleton described as “casual French,” and soon a gift shop and deli will open inside as well. Pendleton said Old Line has seen steady growth since it opened its doors last month, and although it is located a considerable distance from the campus — just past Costco on Route 1 — he said he hopes to attract university students to its casual, comfortable environment.

“It’s kind of like the Cheers bar,” Pendleton said. “We want everyone to know your name.”

The restaurant has already hosted a Terrapin Club football viewing event and a sorority event, and Pendleton said he hopes to continue to hold university-affiliated events in the bistro, which has seating for about 100 people. Large-screen televisions line the bar area, and there is a Breathalyzer patrons can pay to use before leaving to prevent drunken driving. The proceeds will go to charity, Pendleton said.

Before experiencing the restaurant’s “Cheers-like” environment, patrons must first maneuver through the massive liquor store. According to Pendleton, Old Line carries the largest selection of craft beers in the state, which draws in curious student customers.

Old Line’s size amazed Sean Pelletier, a senior journalism major, when he visited the store for the first time this week.

“It was like a grocery store full of alcohol,” he said. “I’m going to go there from now on. I feel like I’m going to buy something new every time.”

As a resident of the Mazza Grandmarc apartments, Pelletier said it’s easier for him to make a trip to Old Line than to College Park Liquors.

However, some students said the store’s location is less than ideal and many of its prices are far higher than at more established competitors.

Megan Kuehner, a senior public health major, said convenience plays a big factor in her liquor store choices. She would generally shop at No. 1 Liquors, the closest store to her apartment, but said she plans to visit Old Line soon to check out the store’s wine selection.

Despite its distance from the campus, Pendleton said he isn’t concerned Old Line will have trouble drawing in student customers. The variety of events he plans to hold, including watch parties, tailgating events and wine tastings, as well as the shop’s vast selection of wines and beers, will bring students in, he said.

“It’s like a museum,” Pendleton said of the craft beer selection.

When Old Line’s foot traffic begins to pick up, Pendleton said he plans to open up the gift shop and deli, so patrons will be able to pick up breads, meats and cheeses to match their selections from the store.

Because the university crowd will be key to his continued growth, Pendleton said he plans to keep prices at an affordable level for college students.

“We love the state and we love the area we’re in,” he said. “We want to support the university.”