Small Business Spotlight: Bar Keeper in LA
Image Courtesy of Joe Keeper
It takes passion and dedication to build something from scratch that stays true to your values. As a first-of-its-kind Vietnamese distillery that’s proud to be uplifting local agricultural communities in Vietnam, we’ve connected with small businesses from all over that are excited about the story behind our products and share with us this ethos of working hard to actualize a unique vision.
This month, we’re spotlighting Bar Keeper — a Los Angeles based store that specializes in independent spirits and vintage barware. Founded in 2006, Bar Keeper is a go-to spot for everything you need for cocktail mixing. With a selection that changes on a weekly basis, the store has a unique, personalized touch.
We recently spoke with Joe Keeper, the founder of Bar Keeper, who discussed what it was like to run a shop during the COVID-19 pandemic, why he’s chosen our spirits, and what advice he has for small business owners.
1) What was it like running a small business during the COVID-19 pandemic?
The Pandemic was a challenge. As a liquor shop in California we were deemed an “essential business.” This allowed Bar Keeper to remain open throughout. We were closed for only one day for testing of employees. Initially we allowed customers inside the shop. Bar Keeper provided masks and gloves. (This was the early days of COVID. Next, no customers were allowed inside. All sales occurred at the door. Later, we allowed six masked customers inside the shop at a time. Finally we are 100% open with no regulations. COVID quadrupled our sales because other avenues of drinking were not available.
2) What advice do you have for people starting a small business?
Create a business plan. Remember it’s just a target. Typically, the estimated costs are substantially lower than actuals. Don’t expect to draw a salary for a few years. Schedule at least a day a week away from your business. A good employee (including yourself) is best with a respite. Employees will be a burden.
3) How do you decide which products to include in your store? What’s the curating process like?
Bar Keeper has a rule regarding Spirits. All employees taste. If one employee hates it, we will not carry it. Everyone must like it and at least one person must love it. We hand sell every bottle. This demands an advocate for each and every spirit we represent. We curate our selection. We sell no name brands...only smaller products. Silly to say, but a product made with love and care, is expressed in the bottle. Bar Keeper sells “the ritual of consuming spirits.” If the goal is to get drunk, we sell nothing. If the customer wants to enjoy and share (which is part of the process and reason to enjoy spirits), then we have everything needed-spirits, modifiers, bar tools, bitters, and both new and vintage glassware.
4) What makes Song Cai's gin such an exciting inclusion?
As I explained above, it is obvious that Song Cai is not JUST a spirit, it is made with love and care. The consumer can taste the beauty of Vietnam in each pour.
5) How can small businesses do a better job engaging with their local communities?
Realize from day one that it is impossible to compete with the big box stores or on-line sales. Create a business that is one of a kind. Human to human customer service is difficult via the web. The internet only allows for two senses-sight and sound.Don’t discount the other three senses. In order to be exclusive, you must be inclusive. Customers enjoy being a part of the business and not just shoppers.