Frank Avallone, the new owner of Redding Wine & Spirits in Redding. Photo courtesy of Joanna Ruvo
REDDING – The new owner of Redding Wine & Spirits is looking forward to continuing to make the wine shop a hometown favorite as he acclimates himself to customers and their favorite choice of the fermented beverage.
“I am aiming to be a friendly neighborhood spot where people trust the staff, discover thoughtfully curated wines, spirits, and beers, and enjoy a personal, community-driven experience,” said Frank Avallone, the new owner. The store is located at 119 Black Rock Turnpike in Redding, a historical location that has been the site of liquor stores dating to the 1940s and 1950s.
Avallone, who lives in nearby Bethel, says small-town life is in his DNA. “I love getting to know people, and since opening the business I’ve made sure to stay active with local charities,” he said. “That community involvement is a big part of how I hope to attract and connect with customers.”
The most recent owner before Avallone was Rodney Stavert, a former commodities trader who ran it from 2014 to the recent turnover.
The 1,200-square-foot shop has only one other full-time employee, Chris, who has been employed at the store for 20 years and is well-known by customers.
“I’m excited to learn that Frank Avallone is the new owner. Redding Wine & Spirits has established itself here over many years in Redding and residents enjoy an excellent selection of wines and knowledgeable customer service,” said First Selectwoman Julia Pemberton. “I’m so glad that the business will continue. Redding is a small town, rural in nature but sophisticated as well, and we value small community minded businesses. I’m certain that Frank will find a warm welcome here.”
Avallone comes with a wealth of experience and knowledge in the business industry.
“I was inspired to own a business in a town that I love and also due to my background,” said Avallone, whose family owned and operated the popular Italian restaurant Old Sorrento in Danbury for 36 years. “I spent the first 23 years of my life in the restaurant business. Everything is focused around customer service. It’s the most important aspect in any business, but especially this one,” he said.
By working there, he became educated about the beverage industry.
“A few years after my family sold the restaurant, my father and I partnered up in 2004 to purchase what is still called Avallone Wine & Spirits in Danbury,” he said. “We hadn’t even put the store up for sale, but a motivated buyer came along just as my father was nearing retirement. After the sale, I joined a local grocery and liquor store chain, where I ended up spending eight years – and genuinely enjoyed my time there.”
Avallone says he is enjoying his new venture.
“I’ve learned to keep things simple and focus on three key things – selection, prices, and most importantly customer service,” he said.
The store carries a large selection of wine, spirits, beer, THC drinks, soft drinks, and mixers. Upon taking the helm, Avallone wasted no time implementing changes.
“I hit the ground running,” he said. “I tripled inventory and drastically lowered prices. In a competitive industry, it’s also about selection and customer service. You won’t find a better combination with a store this size.”
Avallone noted Agave distillates have exploded in popularity. “When I stepped in, the store carried maybe four tequilas and one mezcal,” he said. “Now we showcase a full section of organic, additive-free tequilas and mezcals. RTDs (Ready-to-Drink cocktails) are another category that’s here to stay, and I’ve expanded that offering dramatically.”
“I stepped into a store that needed major help, and I knew the recovery wouldn’t happen overnight,” Avallone said. “But now the seeds for the future are planted – with a Wine of the Month Club and a growing monthly newsletter to build engagement and momentum.
“I want to build a community through wine clubs, tastings, and personalized service that keeps customers coming back.”
Dining and Cooking