I am the guy opening the wine shop/tasting bar above what was Eph's. Science Fair has it dead on. It's about $$$.
You are correct in thinking a 2nd floor location has its drawbacks, however, let me say that the foot traffic outside of Eph's is not the foot traffic I am looking for. I don't need people coming in asking to use the bathroom all day long, or just wandering in because the sign says wine.
The fact that older/disabled people may not be able to come will indeed be an unfortunate hindrance, however, we will offer delivery service.
Hopefully, by keeping overhead low and prices low we can create a sustainable business even in this economy. If things thrive, we may move. We will see.