By Julia Train
Queen Jayne’s at Passion Vines opened in May 2023 as a way for Michael Bray, owner of Passion Vines, to connect with his customers more.
The story behind Queen Jayne’s is rooted in Bray’s long-standing passion for hospitality, wine and community connections. He recognized that the brief interactions typical of retail environments didn’t allow him to form deeper connections with customers, so he decided to expand the store.
“The average time we get to spend with [customers] is anywhere between five, and if you’re lucky, maybe 10 minutes. And so what we wanted, and always envisioned, was a place where we could slow the guests down,” he said.
Bray said his goal was to turn a customer into a guest — where a quick transaction turns into an hour-long experience where people can engage, connect and enjoy a glass of wine together.
The establishment’s name, “Queen Jayne’s,” carries a personal meaning for Bray.
Inspired by Bob Dylan’s song, “Queen Jane Approximately,” the name is also a tribute to Bray’s late mother, Jayne, who was born “Jane,” but added a “Y” in high school.
“About a decade ago, I started calling my mom— as a result of my love for Bob Dylan and the song entitled ‘Queen Jane Approximately,’ I started calling my mom Queen Jayne,” he said.
Bray’s mother passed away in June 2022 from multiple sclerosis, and at the time, the bar was under construction and nameless.
“One day, it struck me that perhaps ‘Queen Jayne’s’ was a fit,” he said. “I bought the domain name, QueenJaynes.com, just so that it was protected and I let it sit for probably a couple months until it began to feel right.”
Bray’s committed to providing the same core values through his businesses: high-quality products, hospitality and a passion for raising awareness for multiple sclerosis, which Bray’s mother was diagnosed with in 1990.
Traveling while sitting at the bar
“It’s a space that allows you to transport to a different place. I’ve often said that one of the reasons why I love wine is because it’s the fastest way to travel in a glass. And so now, this space takes you there equally as fast,” Bray said.
Queen Jayne’s at Passion Vines aims to deliver that sense of escape not just through the beverages, but also through its carefully designed space. The atmosphere is both luxurious and comfortable, blending the elegance of a city cocktail bar with the relaxed vibe of a neighborhood gathering spot.
Bray said visitors often say they feel like they’re in a “swanky hotel lobby bar,” with some even likening it to the speakeasies of Los Angeles.
The “royal drinkery” features a bar, high-top tables and cozy lounge seating—all designed to make patrons feel like they’ve stepped into another world. The experience is topped off with service that Bray prides himself on.
“We love the products we sell, but what we really love is how and why we do it,” he said. “Our mission is really to deliver a level 10 hospitality and service experience coupled with the product, which is a premier cocktail bar.”
Service is prioritized, with the goal of creating an unforgettable experience for every guest. Queen Jayne’s cocktail menu reflects this commitment to quality, featuring spirit-forward drinks crafted with fresh, natural ingredients.
In addition to its regular cocktail menu, Queen Jayne’s also offers a seasonal experience called “The Frosted Crown,” a pop-up bar with holiday-themed drinks designed by the bartending team.
Queen Jayne’s at Passion Vines is open Wednesday through Saturday, with happy hour specials every day 4-6 p.m. and live music on most Thursdays.
