JAK'S BEER WINE SPIRITS

In early December 2023, amidst falling snowflakes, JAK’s staff gathered to pop open a celebratory bottle of bubbly and cut a ribbon to mark the grand opening of its new Dunbar store. Four years ago, the former block was demolished; it has been replaced with a development that includes street-level retail with residences above.

Romina Marzano, general manager of JAK’s Dunbar store, is thrilled to be back. She remarks, “The Dunbar community is very welcoming, and we have received plenty of positive feedback. The whole team is delighted with how friendly our guests are and how easy it is to connect personally.”

Romina adds, “The store’s open floor plan makes it easy to navigate, and the large windows allow in plenty of light. It is an inviting space and is great for browsing and exploring.”

“The chill room houses a great selection of beer and coolers. Customers tell us we have created the best open refrigerator shopping experience in Vancouver, which also allows us to offer an impressive selection of cold wines,” says Romina.

JAK is an acronym for founder and chairman John Andrew Kettlewell.

Dunbar residents may remember the business was previously called Pacific Spirits; in 2015, it rebranded as JAK’s.

At JAK’s, it’s all about family, and it has been for four generations. In 1981, John Kettlewell purchased his first pub in Coquitlam. Subsequently, he became involved with many other pubs throughout the Lower Mainland. Along the way, other family members joined him, including his sons Matt and Damian Kettlewell and their brothers-in-law, Geoff Dear and Mike McKee. JAK’s nine liquor stores are located throughout Metro Vancouver.

JAK’s aims to create a liquor store experience that stands out with a unique selection of products — such as the sort of small-batch wine, beer, and spirits you won’t find at government stores — paired with outstanding customer service, including special classes and tastings led by whisky specialists, visiting winemakers, and their own highly-trained in-store service champions.

“The buying department makes sure we have a wide array of products available, allowing us to offer fantastic products in all price categories so every customer can find something in our store,” says Romina.

Approximately seventy per cent of JAK’s products are not found in government liquor stores.

The larger floor plan has allowed JAK’s to extend its premium wine selection, which now includes an extensive assortment of natural and organic wines and B.C. wines.

JAK’s staff highly recommend Joie Farm Pinot Grigio (BC) and Jean-Marc Brocard Chablis Premier Cru (France). Two of their favourite red wines are Heitz Cellar Grignolino (USA) and Catena Cabernet Franc (Argentina). Customer top picks include Tantalus Riesling (BC) and Altos Malbec (Argentina).

“Our selection of seasonal, limited craft beers is constantly changing with the beer scene in Vancouver, and we consistently offer the most unique and outstanding products at the best value possible,” says Romina.

Some popular beers include Brassneck West Coast Pale Ale, Driftwood Fat Tug, Fieldhouse Dark Sour Superflux Brewing IPA and Yellow Dog Hazy IPA.

Select wines are featured monthly, and the store offers guest tastings on Fridays and Saturdays.

JAK’s Chief Financial and Real Estate Officer, Mike McKee, says, “It can be intimidating to walk into a store with all this product, so we don’t have clerks. We have people who ask our guests what they’re having for dinner. We spend a lot of time creating that great customer experience.”

The Dunbar team is welleducated in product selection thanks to various professional development programs such as WSET and Prud’homme. As a result, the staff are qualified to make excellent recommendations for any occasion, whether it is a food pairing, a gift, a cocktail recipe, or something new to try.

“Assistant manager Jeremy Paul travelled here from England, where he gained much experience and knowledge in the wine industry, completing multiple Qualifications such as WSET 3 in wine. Our other service champions include Joseph and Alex, Dunbar’s beer geeks, Zeynep, who loves to make and drink wine, and Leilani, who provides the best food pairings and jokes!”

Romina concludes, “The greatest reward of my job is being part of the Dunbar community and fostering a welcoming and positive environment for our guests. We take pride in offering our passion for wine and spirits. Engaging and developing relationships with our guests can’t be matched! We invite you to come by and meet us all.”

JAK’s Beer Wine Spirits

4430 Dunbar Street, Vancouver, BC V6S 2G5

Phone 604-416-4925

www.jaks.com

Story by Sarah Gordon (April 2024)