OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — With many of us at home more, a popular pastime has been occurring more: wine drinking.
For the past five years, Old Vine Wine & Spirits near 168th St. and Maple St. has become a hot spot for fine and boutique wine and spirits.
When the pandemic hit, they stayed open.
"There was a big concern, because a lot of the wines that we carry can be purchased all over the place," said owner Rick Plambeck.
Plambeck and his wife Violeta own the store and also the hair salon next door.
"We had an opportunity when this came open," Plambeck said. "We wanted to do something together, and she really wanted to do something with a joint venture that played hand-in-hand together, so hair and wine spirits, they generally go well together."
But due to government restrictions, the salon was temporarily shut down.
"On the salon side of things, we shut down about seven weeks ago, given the requirements," Plambeck said. "And then the wine side of things has luckily pulled the wagon. The business has been consistent. There's been a lot of unknowns, but we've adapted."
First and foremost, Plambeck wanted to protect his staff.
"My responsibility as an owner is to keep you guys employed," Plambeck said. "That was one of the biggest things I thought about - how can I keep my staff engaged and how can I keep them on payroll?"
And of course, he wants to minimize exposure to his clients.
So they're offering curbside and delivery services and free delivery for orders minimum of $80.
And since they already practiced strict cleaning practices at the salon, those were carried over to the wine shop.
"Masks, gloves, cleaning, wiping handles, lysoling bottles," Plambeck said. "Things that we know use on the cosmetology side that are very good as far as antiviral, antibacterial."
So far business is okay. They've seen in increase in delivery, which Plambeck says is a testament not only to the new home school teachers, but to his great customers.
"That's the fear of a small business owner, is that customer going to be there? And when times like this happen, people really step up, and I think that's the Nebraska way," Plambeck said.
"I can't say enough about our customer base," Plambeck added. "If I could thank our customer base, if I could thank each one of them personally right now, I would. It's been unbelievable the support they've had, especially for the small shops. There's been a lot of new faces that have come in, just to support us because of what's going on. They want those local shops to survive."
Old Vine Wine & Spirits
LOCATION: 3821 N. 167th Ct. Omaha, NE 68116
ADJUSTED HOURS: Monday - Saturday: 11AM - 6PM
CONTACT: 402-301-3855
SERVICES: To-go, curbside, delivery
