Best Market plans to sell craft beer and wine at its new supermarket in the Holmdel Commons on Route 35.

This week, the Long Island-based company met the Township Clerk's requirements to bid on the township's retail liquor license. Because it was the only entity seeking pre-qualification, Best Market could potentially scoop up the license for the opening bid of $300,000 when bids are opened on May 7.

"We're going to pair wine with food, as you would in good European supermarket," said Best Market co-owner Eran Raitses. "And we're going to have the best selection of beer."

Marketing Manager Jonathan Sender said, "We will have the biggest craft beer selection available and we are looking to partner up with a local craft brewery from New Jersey."

The family-owned chain, known as Best Yet Market in New York, sells beer and wine at many of its 17 locations. The company says that the Harlem store has the biggest beer selection in New York. They call it "Beer World."

Raitses would like to set up the beer and wine section in a 5,000 square foot area near the front of the 40,000 square foot Holmdel store, near the bakery and cheese section. According to the public notice, the township would grant the liquor license no later than Nov. 7.

Raitses said Best Market realizes it will have to be competitive with pricing. Wine Sellers of Holmdel, an 8,000 square foot wine shop, is directly across the highway. Wine Academy just opened on Route 35 and Bethany Road in Hazlet. And down the road in Middletown, Whole Foods also sells wine and beer.