After 29 years of service, Dave Kinkelaar, owner of DK Liquor, handed off keys to Chase and Sophia Rietcheck to become new owners of RR Liquor and Cigars.
“We really wanted to invest into the community and our future in Ulysses,” said Chase. “We saw an opportunity to do so with this well-established business.”
RR Liquor and Cigars developed its name from Chase’s background. “It is a brand that my brother and his family use on our farm,” explained Chase. “We use it to represent the two Rietchecks: Sophia and myself.”
Navigating the motions of acquiring business ownership wasn’t a hop, skip, and a jump for the Rietchecks, however. “There were several hurdles that had to be overcome, including getting all the permits and licenses,” said Chase. On top of credentials, Chase and Sophia were required to ensure obedience of federal, state, and local guidelines set for liquor stores. To stay on track, the Rietchecks dedicated time to researching and studying laws, and “contacting a multitude of people to help us”.
Kinkelaar made sure to provide an abundance of professional insight before his departure. Chase explained how Kinkelaar laid out several “tricks of the trade” and continues to be an excellent resource. “There is lots of pressure to keep a great business that Dave set up going,” said Chase. “We plan on doing many things that Dave did and offer our services the way he did, but also add a few things of our own. These added features come at the call of the community.”
At this time, the Rietchecks are striving for a wide selection of beverages, including a great wine selection. “We have Wine Wednesdays where you can get 10% off all wines,” shared Chase. “We are also going to offer cigars as well and want to have a competitive cigar market and selection.”
Looking forward, Chase and Sophia have ambitions to expand RR’s selection of wine, beer, and other liquor, as well as premium cigars. On top of selection, the new business owners would like to extend hours of operation. To achieve these goals, the Rietchecks leave it to their village. “We do that by listening to the community on what they want and what they look for in our business,” explained Chase. “We want to offer all that we can to our community.”
For now, the Rietchecks are focusing on building upward. “Our biggest motivation is to keep such a well-established business going,” shared Chase. “To create a very good bond with our community.” On a personal level, Chase credited his motivation to his family: wife, Sophia, and son, Saven. “I couldn’t ask for a better partner in this adventure than my wife,” he said. “I couldn’t do this without her as she is behind the doors doing many things that go unseen. I want to thank her for putting up with me and my craziness.”
To stay driven, interaction with customers is key. “We get to know our community better, which is great for us,” shared Chase. “We learn more every day … We have a great community that is very supportive, and it is a privilege to be in such a community.”
For potential entrepreneurs, Chase shared solid advice about becoming a business owner. “It is not all sunshine, roses and easy goings, but hard work does pay off,” said Chase. “Don’t be afraid to ask for help. We have been extremely grateful to have the help and advice of Dave Kinkelaar, who has been sharing his 29 years of experience with us and continues to do so.”
Chase shared the following as a thank you to supporters:
“We/I would like to thank a few people and businesses, including Dave Kinkelaar, who has done far more for us than he has had to. He has shown us the ropes and continues to educate us. Margaret Nightengale and Grant County Bank, who have worked great with us and helped us set this up. My parents Dan and Char Rietcheck who have been of great support for us, couldn’t ask for better parents. All our family members who have had nothing but support along this journey. Finally, my wife who is a rockstar and always supported me in all my ambitions, I couldn’t have done it without you.”
Currently, RR Liquor and Cigars operates seven days a week. They are open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
To stay up to date on current deals and selection, visit RR Liquor and Cigars on Facebook, stop by 704 W Oklahoma Avenue, or call 620-356-1577.
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