Faces of Cody: Cassandra White Pours Her Heart into the Community

Cassandra White’s face lights up when she talks about the remodel. New floors and racks have been installed in the market area, and new furniture for the lounge is on order from Cottonwood Interiors. And yes, the pool tables are staying.

Formerly Rocky Mountain Discount Liquor and Lounge, it has become Grape & Grain Market and Lounge. Cassandra and her husband, Josh, purchased the business last year, drawn by its liquor license and the opportunity it offered her to expand her work with events as a licensed sommelier.

Partners: Josh and Cassandra White

The couple met in college at the University of Tennessee as teenagers, and soon realized they wanted to travel through this life as partners. Ready to start that life together, Cassandra, being a year behind Josh in school, took summer courses so they could graduate together.

Josh and Cassandra are no strangers to the food industry, with 15 years of owning a restaurant franchise. She started at age 13, so this work is in her blood.

The two of them built their business until they owned six McDonald’s franchises in North Carolina, including the one near the Biltmore Estate. Josh ran the business operations while Cassandra helped on the back end. Together, they balanced their lives and raised their four children.

Moving to Cody

Cassandra’s aunt and uncle, Mike and Margie Johnson moved to the Cody area years ago, when they started the popular and successful business, Cody Trolley Tours. They had been out to visit on numerous occasions and had considered making a shift here eventually. The severe restrictions during Covid experienced in Asheville, NC, helped move their decision along. While visiting Cody for a wedding, they knew it was time to shift.

Moving here, Cassandra worked for as a pre-school teacher, and Josh worked for a moving company and built a consulting business to help franchises succeed.

Sommelier Training

There are four levels: Introductory, Certified, Advanced, and Master. Cassandra earned her Level 1 Introductory certification in July 2025, covering basic wine theory, tasting, and service. By February, she had earned a Level 2 certification, gaining the title ‘Certified Sommelier.” This more rigorous course requires written, service, and tasting evaluations. “The exam was one of the hardest and most stressful things I’ve ever done,’ she said. After receiving encouragement from a Master Sommelier, she plans to keep going.

When Rocky Mountain Discount Liquor and Lounge came on the market, its liquor license offered something she needed: a base from which to take her tastings beyond her own walls. Collaboration, she’ll tell you, is the whole point.

“We’re here for the community,” she said, “to provide a location to gather and support other businesses through collaborations.”

Have Wine – Will Travel

She’s already proving it. A recent Food and Wine Pairing with Steph’s Kitchen drew a strong crowd for four courses paired with a carefully curated wine list. Both Cassandra and Steph plan to repeat this type of event, with a bourbon pairing potentially in the works. She’s also brought her warm, approachable style to Mtn Grl VIP parties, milestone birthday celebrations, book groups, and private dinners.

Grape & Grain Market and Lounge

The new signage went up recently, announcing their rebrand, garnering much attention and many questions from Cody Journal readers. The market has also had a facelift with a new floor, walls, ceiling, lighting, and racks.

The roles have reversed from their McDonald’s days: Cassandra now runs operations, and Josh handles payroll and the back office. Cody has many women-owned businesses, and Cassandra’s proud to now be part of that group.
“Having a husband and partner in life who fully supports this role reversal is a gift beyond measure. He’s definitely a keeper,” she says. They both look forward to getting more involved in the community.

Grand Opening
Join them for their Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting on Friday, April 24, 2026 at

The Details

Location: 1820 17th Street, Cody, WY (across from Albertson’s)
Website:
https://www.grapeandgraincody.com/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/GrapeandGrainWY
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/grapeandgrainwy/
https://www.instagram.com/ca_somm_dra/ (Cassandra)
Phone: 307-587-2980
Regular Events: Monday Night Bingo (to benefit local non-profits); Tasting Tuesdays; Wednesday Night Karaoke

The lounge furniture is on order. The floors are coming. The sign is already up, and people are already asking questions.

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