Beverage Dynamics is the largest national business magazine devoted exclusively to the needs of off-premise beverage alcohol retailers, from single liquor stores to big box chains, through coverage of the latest trends in wine, beer and spirits.
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/565520
[ RETAIL PROFILE ] www.beveragedynamics.com September/October 2015• Beverage Dynamics 27 I t's not easy to stand out in Las Vegas. But with a distinctive setup, Khoury's Fine Wine and Spirits has carved out a long-standing niche in Sin City. "We're one of the only locations in town that's both retail and on-prem- ise," explains founder and owner Issa Khoury. "Here, you can have a glass of wine or a pint of beer as you walk around the store." The 4,500-square-foot store has op- erated in a shopping plaza in the south end of Las Vegas since 2004. What has been the key to more than a decade of success? Khoury's tagline speaks volumes: "Big enough to serve, small enough to care." "We're a little bit smaller in size com- pared with the big guys around here," Khoury says. "So we try to be quicker to respond to special releases. I have de- veloped good relationships with many of the suppliers and brewers. We get a lot of things that other retailers don't, especially with local beers." That focus — plus weekly wine tast- ing, keg tapping and bottle-sharing events — has attracted a loyal clientele who come to Khoury's to fi nd a case of something special, or to sit down with a pint of whatever is new on tap. STAY A WHILE The on-premise concept came about organically, according to Khoury. In the beginning there was one tap han- dle, and wine by the glass. Gradually it grew, until fi ve years ago the store opened a full pub. Khoury's now boasts 11 rotating beer taps, a growler program and eight wines by the glass. Between the patio and pub, there are 60 or so seats for on-premise customers. Patio chairs are grouped around wooden industrial spools. People indoors sit on stools around upturned wine barrels. In the back of the pub is a little library with books and board games. "There's a very casual vibe here — very laid back," Khoury says. "One of the things I'm most proud of is the AN OASIS IN THE DESERT Khoury's is big enough to serve, but small enough to care. Beer sales associate Jameson Gutierr (left) and owner Issa Khoury (right). PHOTOS BY JEFF GREEN I BY KYLE SWARTZ