June
20, 2006 Watauga, Texas
Another couple of refugees from the "Corporate
World", Joe and Sharon Hopkins are well on their way of
achieving their American Dream. The Hopkins were living in
Keller when Joe's job required a relocation to North
Carolina. Sharon said that the family had often talked about
going into business for themselves, but never found just the right
thing. However, the unwanted move out of state was a
catalyst that really put Sharon on a serious hunt for an
alternative to their circumstances.
Sharon said one night she knew she had found just the right
opportunity. "I found WineStyles and that night went upstairs
and told Joe that I had our business. It will be something
that we can have a lot of fun doing." Sharon said. Then
she told her husband he needed to do the numbers because she was
ready to make a move.
After Joe ran through the numbers, he went to visit couple of
similar franchise opportunities. After his first visit to
WineStyles, Joe called home and said he was in agreement with
Sharon, she had found a company with the right financial
opportunity and a family atmosphere. "We have found our new
career," Joe exclaimed. Not only would they buy a
franchise, but be able move back to the Keller area and become the
Area Directors for WineStyles as well.
They opened the first WineStyles store on October 25, 2005 and, as
Area Directors, they have already signed up and opened five
other franchisees in Flower Mound, Lewisville, Rowlett, Mansfield
and McKinney. |
Sharon Hopkins said,
while they enjoyed wine, the couple did not consider themselves
experts. "That is what makes this so much fun.
You can come into our store and not be intimidated if you don't
consider yourself a wine expert. The store is designed
in a manner to help everyone choose just the right wine for the
food and occasion." |
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Wines are
found in distinctive categories, in a old world fun
atmosphere, displayed in specially built archway shelving.
|
Sharon
explained that the approach is to "demystify"
the selection of wine by arranging the wines in eight
distinct "style" categories (Click
Here to see the categories). Each area has
descriptions of the flavors and characteristics of the
wine as well as the suggested food pairings. For
example, Sharon pointed out, A "Crisp" white
wine is perfect for a hot summer evening in Texas and will
complement salads, flaky fish, shellfish, spicy dishes and
cheese.
The WineStyle's brochure states, "Find yourself
transported to an Old World wine cellar, surrounded by a
selection of the finest wines available from around the
world, all at affordable, easy to swallow prices."
In fact, the wines are priced from $8 to $24.99.
There is one area with the explanatory sign that says
"If You Insist" that features wines up to $85.00
per bottle.
Sharon says
that even "wine pros" are fascinated with how
the store is laid out carefully placing wines in specific
categories. "You can always learn more about
wine, however, we make it a very non-intimidating
experience." |
 |
|
| The
store carries a full line of specialty foods and
accessories and will make up special gift baskets based on
the customer's preferences. |
The
"if you insist" area. |
A wide
selection of "boutique" wines, not found at mass
merchandise stores, greets WineStyles visitors. |
Sharon
said each store is from 1300 sq ft to 1800 sq ft and they
typically like to locate a store with a service area of
about 50,000. "With 5.2 million population in
our Area, we are very excited that we have already grown
to 6 locations and look forward to our expansion
throughout the DFW area," said Sharon. Sharon
went on to say that they have met a lot of great customers
and sponsor a complimentary wine tasting every
Thursday. She said the most surprising part of the
business is how comfortable she has become talking to
people about wine, because she does not consider herself
any kind of expert. "You find out that people
really don't care that much about the technical aspects of
wine, but if they are getting a good flavor that is right
for them.
"Our commitment is our customers are 100% satisfied
with their purchase," Sharon emphasized. |
Joe and Sharon
have done so well in their first few months, they proudly
display awards that recognized the success of their store
and their leadership in expanding another five locations. |
While
the interview was being conducted a young mother came in
with her child in a stroller. The store is a drastic
change from going to a mass merchandise store and buying
mass produced products and certainly a departure from
going into a liquor store and hoping you get lucky with
the right wine. Sharon pointed out that many of her
customers are not wine drinkers that are buying gifts for
others. "We take customer input about the name
or type of wine the person is known to enjoy and help even
the most novice of wine buyers to make a good
selection."
A company brochure sums up the WineStyles approach;
"At WineStyles you won't be confused, embarrassed or
snubbed. You will however discover an inviting Old
World decor with a hand selected blend of world-class
wines (most between $10 and $25). While our passion
for finding the best wine takes us around the globe, you
need only travel minutes to bring the treasures of great
wine to your table tonight."
Sharon and Joe Hopkins WineStyles is located at 8450
Denton Highway, Suite 200 in Watauga. You can reach them
at 817.485.7900. Complimentary wine tasting is every
Thursday between 5 pm and 8 pm. The store is open
10am until 9 pm Monday through Saturday and Noon until 5pm
on Sundays. |
The physical layout
is easy to navigate and everything is in its right place and easy
to find with signage. A warm, comfortable, friendly, fun
environment that makes WineStyles another special local business
owned and operated by one of your neighbors.
A Local News Only.com exclusive local business
profile......remember tell 'em your saw it on LNO!
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