STAFF PHOTO/TOM VAUGHT Hess and Dipika Patel at the new Beachway Liquors in west Bradenton.

By Tom Vaught
sun staff writer

It is a well-known fact that buying large lots from wholesalers means lower prices. It worked for Keith Patel at his Sarasota store, Cattlemen Liquors, and it is working at his second store just a short drive off the Island.

"This is a smaller store," he said, pointing to the well-stocked, clean display shelves. The store offers a wide variety and bright signs point out the low prices of the constantly-changing specials on sale.

"Our other store is twice as big at 4,000 square feet," he said.

The liquor is arranged according to type, and the front counter features accessories such as bottle openers, snacks and tobacco products, including a large stock of imported cigars in a humidor display case. It looks like a large corporate-owned outlet, but it is not, a fact that has advantages when somebody wants to place a large order for a wedding or a party.

"We give discounts for large orders," he said. "That's something the chains can't do because the management doesn't have the authority."

Patel said they decided to expand into Bradenton because of the large stock it took to keep prices down at the other store. He said west Bradenton was a natural location.
"We researched the area and we wanted to find the spot where prices were outrageous," he said. "There were no discount liquor stores here and we decided to put a store here, but we could not find a location. When they remodeled this shopping center (Beachway Plaza) to accommodate the new Publix, this spot became available, and I negotiated a lease as soon as I found out."

Patel said another reason for choosing the area was the fact that the survey indicated people there drink a lot of wine.

"When we first opened, the snowbirds came and bought cases and cases," he said. "They were glad to find out our prices were so much less, and they took advantage of them."
Patel said their volume buying allows them to charge an average of $4 to $5 per bottle less for premium brands.

Island residents have taken advantage of their variety.

"We find that Island people come here for out high-end wines," he said. "They like the fact that we offer so many kinds."

In addition to choice and pricing, Patel said Beachway Liquors offers full service.
"For those people who have trouble taking their purchase to their cars, we have people on staff who will do it for them," he said. "We have two people at the counter at all times so somebody is always available to assist."

Their stock includes all brands of imported and domestic beer and wine and, they can take special orders for those who know what they want, but don't see it there."
For those Island residents looking for variety at discount prices, the drive to the mainland might include a shopping trip to the grocery stores in the area or the shops in the refurbished Beachway Plaza. One thing for certain, it should include a stop at Beachway Liquors.

Hess and Dipika Patel are the managers of the new store.

Name: Beachway Liquors

Address: 7318 Manatee Ave. W., Beachway Plaza, west Bradenton

Hours: Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Phone: 761-3525