Category Archives: Owners Spotlight

Ribbon Cutting Grand Opening new Chicago location

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Grand Opening Chicago

Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting, WineStyles Chicago, May 2, 2019

WineStyles Tasting Station®, a hybrid retail / wine bar concept dedicated to simplifying the wine and craft beer experience, announces the Grand Opening celebration of its newest location, 6182 N. Northwest Highway, Chicago, Illinois, 60631, in the Norwood Park community.

The official ribbon cutting ceremony with the Chamber of Commerce took place yesterday, Thursday, May 2nd at 5pm-8pm. This week’s activities also included Happy Hour specials, Craft Beer Night featuring Ravinia Brewing & Aleman Brewery, Winery Spotlight tasting featuring L’Ecole wines from Washington State, and Friday Wine Tasting. This Saturday is the “Grand Tasting” extravaganza event, May 4th from 4pm-7pm. Guests will enjoy a complimentary tasting of over 30 different wines and beers!

To celebrate, anyone who joins or upgrades their Wine Club membership will receive four complimentary tickets to any wine education class ($80 value) as well as $20 in Bottle Bucks. For the craft beer lover, join the monthly beer club and receive $10 in Bottle Bucks. Guests will also receive $5 in Bottle Bucks with any $45 in-store purchase.

Chocolate Station

Chocolate Station at WineStyles Chicago

“We are thrilled to introduce the very first WineStyles Tasting Station location in Chicago, opening the doors to the Norwood Park community to taste, learn and enjoy craft beers and wines from around the world,” said Bryan McGinness, CEO of WineStyles Tasting Station. “Since our corporate headquarters is located in the Midwest, we believe there is strong growth potential for our concept in the Chicago market.” Most recently in 2017, WineStyles has opened two stores, one just outside of Madison Wisconsin in Sun Prairie and the other in Ankeny, Iowa. “We will remain focused on our expansion efforts in the Midwest, while continuing to provide a unique shopping experience for our guests.”

Emily Wilderman is the owner and operator of the new Norwood Park location, who previously owned the Park Ridge location. “We had outgrown our small space in Park Ridge and it was definitely time to move to a larger space that could accommodate the new Tasting Station concept.” The new location now has a full wine bar, craft beers on tap and private tasting room for events. “We now offer a small plate menu, pizzettes, artisanal cheeses, gourmet foods, and handmade chocolate truffles. We’re looking forward to meeting everyone in the community,” said Emily Wilderman. “We want our guests to come in, try something new, and find something they love every time they come in the door.”

WineStyles chicago

The WineStyles Tasting Station in Chicago will offer a unique retail experience and warm ambiance that is reminiscent of an old-world wine cellar. Wines are categorized by style and taste, rather than by varietal or region, which helps to simplify the shopping experience. The selection includes a rotation of unique labels and hard-to-find wines from both small and large vineyards from around the world. Each bottle is accompanied by a description listing the wine’s characteristics, flavors and suggested food pairings.

Additionally, the WineStyles Tasting Station features a full wine bar with dozens of wines by the glass and a selection of food, craft beers on tap, hand-made fine chocolates and artisan cheeses. Furthermore, the store offers a variety of gifts and wine accessories including customizable gift baskets, monthly wine, beer, and cheese clubs, and a frequent buyer program. The location also features weekly wine and beer tastings, private event opportunities, as well as education classes.

EventbriteThe location will serve guests Monday – Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., on Thursday – Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. To learn more, visit http://www.winestylesnorwoodpark.com or follow them on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram. Event tickets can be purchased online via Eventbrite or in-store. Keep up to date on events and promotions, sign up for their email newsletter.

*Grand Opening offers only valid at WineStyles Tasting Station in Chicago, Illinois in Norwood Park.

About WineStyles Tasting Station:
Wine shop by day, wine bar by night. WineStyles Tasting Station demystifies wine and craft beers by categorizing bottles by style and taste, rather than by varietal or region. Each store features regional craft beers and hundreds of rotating wines from around the world, most priced $10 – $30 per bottle with an “If You Insist” category for premium wines. Guests can also Taste, Learn and Enjoy® the best in artisanal cheeses, handmade chocolates, craft beers, and other gourmet items. Headquartered in West Des Moines, Iowa, WineStyles Tasting Station currently operates 13 locations across the country. WineStyles Tasting Station encourages all customers to drink wine and beer responsibly. For more information visit http://www.winefranchise.com or http://www.winestyles.com .

CEO Interview – 5 years in the making

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podcastWINE FRANCHISE – 5 YEARS IN THE MAKING

Five years ago we sat down with Bryan McGinness (CEO) and Jeff McGinness (VP of Operations) who had recently purchased the Wine Styles franchise opportunity and were looking to expand their market. That was when there was just one location in the Des Moines Metro. Today there are three and there are now 15 Wine Styles Craft Beer and Retail Wine locations from Alaska to Virginia. Step back in time with us as we get into our Way-Back Machine and talk…wine and business.

The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday, hour-long business podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday – Friday starting at 5pm Central. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications.

Learn more about the team at WineStyles and their business opportunity at www.winefranchise.com

Bryan McGinnes

Bryan McGinness, CEO

Jeff McGinness

Jeff McGinness, VP of Operations

Norwood Park location coming soon to Chicago area

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WineStyles Franchisee Outgrows Space – Plans Expansion in Norwood Park, Chicago Area.

Park Ridge, Illinois – September 11, 2018 – WineStyles Tasting Station®, a hybrid retail / wine bar concept dedicated to simplifying the wine and craft beer experience, announces the relocation of its Park Ridge location to the Norwood Park neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois.

Emily WildermanThanks to local support, store owner Emily Wilderman’s business has out grown its current space in Park Ridge. Wilderman has been looking to update and expand her store to include more craft beers on tap, full size chocolate counter of handmade truffles, artisanal cheese, gourmet food items and expand the small plate menu to include pizzettes, flatbreads and appetizers.

“With a larger venue, we can host more tastings, education classes and wine dinners,” remarked Wilderman. “I’m excited, as this will be the first location in the Chicago market embracing the new Tasting Station business model”.

Wilderman wanted to stay close to the Park Ridge area and found a space at 6182 N. Northwest Hwy that could accommodate the new concept. The new space would be 2700 square feet compared to current 1200 square feet in Park Ridge.  It’s only 1.7miles from the current storefront in Park Ridge (about a 10-minute drive to Norwood Park). Most likely the relocation will occur after the holidays, early 2019, pending the permitting and licensing in the City of Chicago.

“We are thrilled for Emily’s business expansion and introducing Norwood Park residents to the WineStyles Tasting Station experience,” said Bryan McGinness, CEO of WineStyles Tasting Station. “We believe there is strong growth potential for our franchise concept throughout the Midwest and look forward to more locations.”

Wilderman will continue being an active member of the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce as a Board Director and participate in the community events and support the local businesses.

“We have a great customer base in Park Ridge so I’ll definitely continue to support the community and hope they can follow me down Northwest Highway,” added Wilderman. “I’m also looking forward to being part of the new neighborhood and actively involved in the Edison Park and Norwood Park Chambers.”

10 year Anniversary Celebration

10 Year Anniversary Celebration – WineStyles Park Ridge, IL

To learn more about WineStyles expansion, follow WineStyles Park Ridge on their Twitter, Facebook or sign up for their newsletter.

A Day in the Life with Bob

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Bob Bolden Omaha WineStyles

Robert (Bob) Bolden at WineStyles in Omaha

Looking into Robert (Bob) Bolden’s typical week at his WineStyles Tasting Station store in Omaha, Nebraska, you may think this man is an embodiment of the Energizer® bunny! But as you dig in you’ll see that’s because being a WineStyles business owner is, well, ENERGIZING!

Of course, Bob does go above and beyond with his typical 5:30am rise time. This businessman fits in a good workout every morning as part of a balanced lifestyle. Bob knows the balancing act of business ownership and one’s health and personal life is important to maintain.

What happens next? He’s off to networking events over coffee and breakfast. Building a business is just one part of the “job”. Building a community is another important aspect of being a business owner. Not only do you want your fellow community members to know who you are and what your business offers, but you also want to know them and how your ongoing relationship can be mutually beneficial.

“The great part about networking on behalf of WineStyles is that nearly everyone drinks wine!” says Bob, enthusiastic about getting out and networking in his community.

Bob behind the counter at WineStyles

Bob behind his “Chocolate Station”  at WineStyles Tasting Station, Omaha

 

Chocolate

Handmade Chocolate Truffles at WineStyles Tasting Station, Omaha

 

WineStyles in Omaha

Bob Bolden’s WineStyles store front in Omaha

When working at his WineStyles Tasting Station store, Bob enjoys the many aspects of putting together a well-rounded wine shop – including tasting new wines and craft beers with local distributors, choosing accessories from catalogs to sell in the store, prepping his gift basket station with goodies, and furthering his own personal wine and craft beer knowledge.

It doesn’t stop there though – Bob manages a staff of about 13 part-time workers, all thirsty for continuing their own education in wine and craft beer. When something new comes in, or Bob gains a bit of new info, he gladly shares his findings with his staff. Education is a huge part of what makes WineStyles customers enjoy their experience with his shop so much. They know that Bob and his staff will point them in the right direction depending on their own personal tastes.

Engaging with his customers is Bob’s favorite part of his business, “just outside of being my own boss, which comes in a strong first place” he affirms. Bob enjoys adding value to his customers’ lives by means of helping them find the perfect wine, craft beer, or gift, yes, but also by way of being a positive community member whom they can rely on.

Through his WineStyles store, Bob finds countless ways to give back to his community. He sponsors wine tastings at various events, holds free-will offerings for national causes, hosts events for charity, and more.

“When you put your mind to it, and you have fellow community members working on the same project, there are so many different ways we can all help our community prosper. This is just another side-benefit of being your own boss – you can decide which causes are important to you and really make a difference in your own community. It’s a beautiful thing to witness.”

Venturing outside his community to wine attractions around the country is yet another side-benefit of being a WineStyles franchisee.

“I love working with like-minded wine-o’s!” Bob jests.

The WineStyles Corporate Team puts on an Annual Franchisee Convention, which is held in a different wine, craft beer, or “foodie”-centric location each year. Bob’s favorite Convention locations so far have been Woodinville, Washington and Willamette Valley in Oregon.

Bob signing the annual Convention poster

Bob signing the annual Convention poster

“Convention gives us the opportunity to meet up with fellow WineStyles business owners, learn from the Corporate Team, and bounce ideas off one another. I always walk away jazzed for my business and excited to implement new ideas in my store.”

Learn more about Bob’s journey at his next Open House, the event is free to attend.

Franchising Open House Event:

Thursday, March 29, 2018
6:00pm

WineStyles – Pacific
1006 S. 74th Plaza
Omaha, NE 68114

Please call Bob at (402) 884-6696 to RSVP.

Hope to see you there!

Cheers,

Bob Bolden,
Area Developer for Nebraska market and Proprietor of WineStyles in Omaha.

 

 

Power Couple = Wine Couple

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Allan and Gina Graham

Allan and Gina Graham, proprietors of WineStyles in Johnston, IA

The Graham’s both come from corporate backgrounds – Allan in IT and Gina in Accounting. They had always appreciated wine, learning about the agriculture behind it (both having grown up on Iowa farms), learning about different varietals and regions, and developing their palates. Owning a boutique wine shop by day, wine bar by night hadn’t occurred to them.

As wine connoisseurs, they had frequented many different wine shops locally, but the couple was first exposed to WineStyles as customers of the West Des Moines, Iowa location. The concept really resonated with them and helped in their growing appreciation and knowledge of wine.

“I had always warded off drinking Chardonnay until I learned how it can range from lighter and silkier to richer and more buttery in flavor through experiencing different styles of the grape”, mentioned Gina. (For the record, she prefers SILKY style of Chardonnay.)

They were hooked and quickly became Wine Club members, participating in the many wine tastings and education events  available at the West Des Moines WineStyles store.

All of these experiences led Allan and Gina to opening their own WineStyles store in January of 2010. The couple continued working their corporate jobs for three years before deciding that Allan would focus 100% of his time on their WineStyles store.

This decision has helped them to grow their store even further, and even branch out to having a role in area development on behalf of the franchise. Gina continues to work at her corporate job full-time, but is an active partner in the store.

Johnston, Iowa WineStyles Store

Johnston, Iowa WineStyles Store

Today, Allan and Gina continue to enjoy learning about wine and craft beer, and love having the frequent opportunity to share that knowledge with others, whether during an individual retail experience or through one of their portfolio tastings or education classes.

“Owning our WineStyles store has provided us with the opportunity to meet so many new people and friends, including other industry professionals, our fellow WineStyles store owners, and our customers.”
Johnston, Iowa WineStyles Store

Wine bar at Johnston, Iowa WineStyles Store

WineStyles is more than just wine on the shelves – it’s about building a community, a true “Clubhouse” experience. Allan and Gina have a few touching stories of community development due to their involvement with WineStyles:

Expanding their customers’ palates can be very interesting to watch. “We had customer who was ‘nothing but Chardonnay’.   He ended up joining our Wine Club, and over time, he evolved into a ‘big red’ wine drinker” noted Allan.

“Once, a couple that had been dating for a while, joined our Wine Club and regularly frequented the Friday night tastings. When he was ready to propose, he chose our store because this was a favorite date night and they enjoyed the store and our company” added Gina. “Amazingly, they also decided to hold the actual wedding at our store, one year later, on December 23, 2017.  What a blessing to be part of their new lives together!”

As a valued member of the Johnston community, Allan was also elected to the Board of Directors of the Johnston Chamber of Commerce and served as President in 2016.

“It has been fun to see the many friendships form among our customers over the years and the small-world connections when they engage in conversation”, remarked Allan.

Learn more about Allan and Gina’s journey at the Open House on Wednesday, February 28th at 6:00pm. Discover the world of franchising and learn about WineStyles business opportunities in Iowa. The event is free to attend. Please call to RSVP.

WineStyles Open House Event:

Monday, March 5, 2018
6:00pm

WineStyles at Iowa River Landing
920 East 2nd Avenue, Suite 115
Coralville, Iowa 52241

Phone Allan to RSVP: 515-334-9463

Hope to see you on March 5th!

Cheers,

Allan and Gina Graham,
Area Developers for Iowa market and Proprietors of WineStyles in Johnston.

Tale of Two Family Businesses

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Arthur and Mike Lampros

Brothers, Arthur Lampros (left) and Mike Lampros (right)

After opening their first business in 1999, Arthur and Mike had settled into their routines of running their family restaurant. Along with their father George, Mike was the Chef, and Arthur was the Front of the House (General Manager).  Arthur had a lifelong interest in fine wine and had a long background in fine dining, and had always dreamed of being in the wine business as an entrepreneur.

When the landlord of the shopping center approached the guys with an offer to take over the space immediately next to the restaurant, they did not hesitate to take the offer. Their restaurant was at capacity every weekend, and there was no separate bar area for guests to enjoy while waiting for a table. They considered a variety of different expansion ideas that would incorporate a “bar” element , but weren’t happy with the idea of another typical, run of the mill, restaurant bar.

They had toyed with the idea of looking into any number of franchises, specifically with the notion of not having to start from scratch. While attending a Franchise show in Washington, DC, the guys discovered and met with representatives with WineStyles. They were intrigued with the concept and were quick to recognize that it just might be what they were looking for.

What made you buy into the WineStyles concept?

wine bar ordering “The WineStyles concept gave us an opportunity to relatively easily add a distinct yet complementary brand into our existing operations. With consent of the corporate team, we were the first to open a WineStyles franchise attached to an already functioning restaurant.” said Arthur Lampros.  “Considered a test-case, our new store would be one of the first hybrid concepts as a wine retailer and a wine bar.   Aside from retailing packaged wines, we also served wine by the glass, on premise bottle service, an extensive food menu and hosted many special events.”

“By teaming up with a franchise, it was like a business-in-a-box”, commented Lampros.   “From marketing, to product knowledge, business advisory support, and best practice experience, the choice was simple. Running a very busy restaurant is hard enough. Opening up an independent retail and on-premise establishment from scratch at the same time is just nuts.”

Girls Night at WineStylesWhat are some of your favorite things about being in beverage industry?

“Beyond the love of wine and beer, the ability to offer guests a venue that incorporates so many different elements is very special”, explained Lampros.  “Guests come to experience our weekly tastings, join the wine club, and connect with fellow customers every day. Looking across the store when everyone is smiling, laughing, and simply enjoying themselves with great food and drinks makes it all worthwhile…..and making a nice living at the same time….well that’s even better.”

Why would this business be different than any other?

“What’s amazing, is how we connected with the community.” remarked Lampros.  “We’ve been involved in various fundraisers and enjoy being a venue for connecting wine connoisseurs together.”

  • Wine tasting with coupleWe’ve had numerous couples meet each other at WineStyles and eventually get married.
  • Several wedding proposals.
  • Countless retirement celebrations.
  • The Babies of Winestyles! Guests bring in their newborns and we get to see them grow-up.
  • Our partnership with local charities (Azalea Charities, Aid for Wounded Warriors, Purple Heart Wines) and most recently one of our staff members running the Marine Corp Marathon as a member of Team Azalea.
  • Aside from our guests who visit almost every day, there are groups of customers that visit several times a week to attend our tasting events and socialize.
  • Over the years we’ve seen customers have “Wine Moments”, when they taste and discover a specific wine that has a real memorable impact on them.
  • We have a number of customers that have Service Dogs, who become mascots for the store.
  • Over a glass of wine, guests have experienced significant Pop Culture moments together, whether its major sporting events, elections, national or local events, wine is the perfect conversation starter.
  • Our Wine Club members enjoy meeting up with fellow wine lovers, reminiscing about their wine travel experiences, opening special bottles for special occasions or discussing this month’s selection of membership wines.
  • In essence….we’re a true “clubhouse” for our Wine Club members and guests.

Don’t be shy,  stop by and see us sometime! We’d love to share our story with you!

Arthur Lampros

Cheers,

Arthur Lampros / Mike Lampros, Proprietors
WineStyles Tasting Station
4394 Kevin Walker Drive
Montclair, VA 22025

608-665-2675

 

 

Will 2018 Be Your Year?

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With the holidays wrapping up, many people take the last few days of the year to contemplate where they’d like to be in the New Year.

As 2018 looms in the near distance, do you feel thrilled at the opportunities before you? Or, are you less than thrilled at what lies ahead for you professionally?

You may have a good job, even a great job, but is it fulfilling in all the ways you’d like?

With a career as a WineStyles Tasting Station franchise owner, here’s a little preview of what your 2018 could look like…

wine business owner picture

You start the year with a phone call to the WineStyles Corporate Office (1-866-424-9463), and speak with franchisor and store owner, Andrea McGinness. You’re delighted to hear all about the WineStyles opportunity from Andrea.

After due diligence and your attendance to a WineStyles Discovery Day, you’ve decided to go for it and open your own WineStyles Tasting Station franchise in your home town. The fun begins as you start imagining what your storefront would look like as you pass by the shopping and dining areas in your neighborhood.

Finally, you find the perfect spot. You park your car and just have to get out and look. Yep, this is it!

Your training with the WineStyles Corporate Staff has you feeling confident to begin your new adventure as a small business owner, in business for yourself, but as they say, not by yourself.

Before you know it – wine, craft beer, delicious gourmet foods and fun gifts and accessories are lining your shelves. You think to yourself, now this is a place I would shop!

Your first customers are raving about your new business, and can’t wait to bring in their friends, family, and coworkers.

open for business wine shop

You sit back after a successful Grand Opening, and thank your lucky stars.

But, don’t take it from us, here are a few reasons you may consider opening a franchise location:

When you hear the word “franchise” what do you think of? I’m guessing fast-food, cleaning services, etc.  What we hear is “small business owner”, “in business for yourself, but not by yourself”, “proven system”, “kinks worked out”, “training and marketing support”, “team of assistance at every corner”, “help in your back pocket”, etc.

2018 could be the year you uncork your dream business, and open your own boutique business.

As someone much greater than me once said, “just take the first step”. So give us a call, talk with Andrea, and let’s see if opening a WineStyles Tasting Station in your neighborhood would be a good fit.

Visit www.WineFranchise.com for more information and to request a meeting.

We look forward to making your 2018 the best year yet.

Thanks for reading,

Ashleigh Rader
Director of Marketing & Social Media
WineStyles Tasting Station

WANTED: WINEntrepreneur

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Become a Wine entrepreneur

Ever Consider Starting a Wine Business?

With your love of fine wine, craft beer and the gourmet lifestyle, WineStyles Tasting Station could be a great fit.

As a franchised organization, you’ll work for yourself, but not by yourself!

Each location is locally owned and operated, with support from our corporate team and fellow business owners.

We are currently expanding our marketplace and looking for new franchise owners across the country.

To learn more about franchising opportunities, please visit our website www.WineFranchise.com and request more information.Learn more button

Start your New Year with a New Business in 2018!

Uncork your dream business in 2018