Fathe and Son New Owners of Lake Wine and Spirits in Southbury

Gary Kratzer and his son, Sam Kratzer, both of Roxbury, are the newly-named proprietors of the nearly 70-year-old Lake Wine and Spirits shop at 180 Main Street South in Southbury. The new entrepreneurial team took ownership in March of 2016 and have swiftly ‘learned the trade by need.’

Gary Kratzer remarked, “While I’ve worked in business for many years, neither of us has owned a business. Our ambition was to venture into joint ownership of a business within a 15-20 minute commute of our family’s home so we could get to and from that business whenever necessary. Additionally, it makes it easy for my wife Ellen to also be involved.”

The ambitious Kratzer team bought Lake Wine and Spirits from previous owners Jeff and Patty Raether at the end of March, and began ownership immediately. Sam Kratzer, the day-to-day operations manager, commented, “We kept the existing staff members which has been a tremendous help. They have truly helped us rapidly learn about the business since we had no experience in the liquor package store business or ownership. The store’s general manager, Greg Brick, and assistant manager, Abbey Zachos, have truly been a tremendous help to us, along with four part time employees.”

The Kratzers are the third business owners to occupy the historic building at 180 Main Street South. Opened in 1947, the store is the second oldest retailer in Southbury, and located adjacent to the town’s oldest retail store and building, H.H. Stone.

Both cigar aficionados, Sam and Gary Kratzer had a custom Humidor built and positioned in the store. “We are both interested in cigars and frequent cigar bars across Connecticut,” reported 21 year-old Sam Kratzer. “We had a custom humidor built because we know a good deal about quality cigars, and we are now the first and only store in the Southbury area to offer these high-end quality cigars. The purpose of a humidor cabinet is to keep cigars at the right humidity and temperature. The cabinet constantly moderates the perfect temperature and humidity to ensure that the cigars do not dry out, crack or go bad.”

Future changes the new owners are planning include having a custom-shelving unit installed behind the check-out counter. The wooden customized shelving would feature crown molding for a more upscale presentation. “We want to keep the store familiar for customers,” stated Sam Kratzer, “while adding in some attractive upgrades. We are also considering bringing in local farm cheese for pairings. We are trying to reach potential customers from beyond Southbury. That was one reason we brought in the humidor, and are contemplating selling cheese to pair with our large selection of over 2,500 wines from all around the world.”

Lake Wine and Spirits’ new owners stated they will continue the long-standing liquor store’s appreciated reputation for donating product to local charities for fundraising ambitions. “In our first two months in business we’ve donated to Young Life Association, the Southbury PTO, and have joined the Southbury Business Association (SBA),” stated Gary Kratzer.

As long-time Roxbury residents, Gary Kratzer commented, “We are so delighted to be in Southbury which we see is actually growing and expanding. Our family has lived in rural Roxbury for 20 years, so when we step out of our store we’re delighted to see people walking and running along the sidewalks, and seeing so much activity every day. It’s a very exciting time to become members of the Southbury community with the new Cineplex complex being built with stores, offices and apartments being constructed. We have only been in Southbury for a few months and we’ve met many wonderful people. We are very much looking forward to becoming a larger presence in this community which is so welcoming and embracing.”

Special summer store hours were established by Lake Wine and Spirits’ new owners for June, July and August on Fridays only from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., one hour later than months during the remainder of each year. Regular hours during each week will continue to be Mondays through Thursdays, 9 a.m.to 8 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sundays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Lake Wine and Spirits also delivers within the Southbury community. For more information, visit www.lakewineandspirits.com, or call 203-264-8891.