Winegar's + Jerrol's 10-year Anniversary

There are many great reasons to live in a small town, including the rich history. When you step into Jerrol’s, it’s a bit like going back in time. And then, as you continue to walk over to Winegar’s, the history continues. It’s a match made in heaven, really! Grab a book at Jerrol’s and then go sit down with a cup of coffee at Winegar’s. You’ll have to indulge us as we wax poetic because we’re about to celebrate a big milestone: the 10th anniversary of our two shops coming together. This “marriage”, if you will, started when Rolf Williams and Kori Winegar first met and realized they had a lot in common when it comes to running a business.

I asked Rolf a few questions about how it all came together.

Q) When did you and Kori first meet? Was it in adolescents or in a professional capacity?

A) I really don’t recall, but it was professional. I do know that we connected over marketing and business starting decades ago and have been very close business associates since then. We have done a lot of learning together about how businesses work.

Q) When did you realize that you needed to collaborate?

A) I remember it well. We were at a monthly Marketing Power Lunch I hosted at the Rodeo City BBQ (Now the FISH Open Table) in their banquet room. It must have been the summer of 2011 or 2012. Kori mentioned that he was looking for a new location because he thought Winegar’s was going to lose their location where the Porch is now. I told him we should talk as we had been looking to expand for years. After the meeting we talked some more in the parking lot and that is how it started.

Q) What went into the planning process behind adding the Winegar’s space to the existing Jerrol’s space?

A) So much Blood Sweat and Tears!! Working together was easy because we trusted each other and could easily communicate. I found Seanette Corkill from “Back Door Front” who helped us design the exterior and some of the interior. She came up with the colors, outside lighting and our big yellow signs.

A) How long did it take from idea to breaking ground?

Q) About 3 years - Spring of 2011 to October of 2014.

Q) Do you guys consider each other good neighbors?

A) Yes, even better friends and confidants.

Q) Do you guys have a vision for the next 10 years?

A) Yes, Winegar's just singed a 10 year extension so they will be right beside us for another decade (at least)! Plus, we are starting to do more combined events and promotions like our 10 year anniversary.

By: Brooke Buckingham