Interview with Marvin Baldwin, manager
Q: How did you get involved in this business?
A: My two brothers and I and our wives bought Chateau Liquors on Second Avenue in Cherry Creek North in 2005. Chateau Liquors had been on Second Avenue since the 1940s, but in 2013 the location was part of a redevelopment plan that displaced the store. We searched for a new location in the same neighborhood, but could not find a site with zoning appropriate for a liquor store. We found our new location in Lone Tree in December 2013 and opened for business in May 2014.
Q: What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?
A: Our store is clean, bright, open and easy to shop. We strive to greet each customer and offer assistance if it is desired. We offer discounts every day to active duty military, veterans and first responders. On Wednesdays, ladies receive 15 percent off regular price of wine. Wine tastings are on Friday afternoons, and our rewards program offers additional savings. Delivery is available, and we always have in-store specials on varied wine, beer and liquor items.
Q: What do you like best about your line of work?
A: Our employees make my job easy. Some of them have been with Chateau long before we bought the business. We are always learning about new products in the market, and it is a team effort to select which items to offer our customers. We see new customers and new Colorado residents every day, and it is a pleasure to welcome them to our store and to our state.
Q: What is your business’ biggest challenge?
A: Starting a new business or moving an existing business to a new neighborhood is always a tremendous challenge. Getting people to know that we are here is an ongoing struggle, but being next door to Sprouts is a great advantage, and the addition of Mad Greens and Snooze is helping bring more traffic to this area.
Q: Something people might be surprised to learn about you or your business:
A: We are the third owners of Chateau Liquors. My brothers and I are Colorado natives and live in the Parker area. We are active in running the store, and one of us is in the store every day. Two of our employees are college students, one is teacher, one is a wine sales rep, one is a retired airline ramp worker, one is an Air Force Korean War veteran, one is an Army veteran who made deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, and I am a Navy veteran of the Vietnam War.
Profile
Business: Chateau Liquors
Address: 10016 Commons St., Lone Tree
Hours: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday
Founded: 2005
Contact: 303-649-1858,
Employees: 7
