WHITE BEAR WINE & SPIRITS Bringing New Technology to Historic White Bear Liquor Store "I'm grateful, and I'm blessed that I'm here. It's been a move that I didn't anticipate, but due to support from the community, it's like having God's hand over me." These words are how Hardik Patel, owner of White Bear Lake Wine & Spirits, has summed up his experience with operating the titular store. Since moving his inventory from the old Controneo's building to its current location, Patel has expressed joy and gratitude over the reception his establishment continues to receive. "Everybody that comes in, they love the store, they love the layout," said Patel. "It's been a great hit." Boasting a wide array of local craft beers, wine, spirits and THC drinks, Patel admits that the store's inventory is still growing. This, he says, is due to selling a substantial portion of his then-Controneo's inventory to establish White Bear Lake Wine & Spirits. Nonetheless, Patel is both thankful and gracious about the traffic he receives. "The transition is going good," said Patel. "We're grateful for our clients that still come back, and understanding that it will take time to rebuild business." However, Patel's future store plans do not end with just a straightforward move. New technology is in the works to give his location an edge over competitors with better pricing and new opportunities. One of these is through Lacy, an online alcohol-delivery app that, according to Patel, will be among the first liquor stores in the city to integrate this technology for use. "You can get an instant rebate on a product rather than filling out a mail-in one," explained Patel. "It also does a price comparison, so it gives you credit if you buy from the store here. If there is anything cheaper anywhere, it finds it in a couple-mile-radius and finds the lowest price to give you the difference on the app." LOVE Through the store's loyalty program, customers can earn points through their purchases and receive discounts for special occasions, such as their birthdays. "Whether you use the app or not, you can come in, give the phone number that is associated with your account, and get points every time you purchase something," said Patel. In addition to prioritizing customer service, Patel intends for his business to become more involved in local charity events. Most of this involvement is donating products to different local programs and establishments, such as the White Bear Lake Center for the Arts, for special events. In addressing present and future customers, Patel has reaffirmed his thanks to the White Bear Lake community for supporting the store's transition, regardless of any difficulties the store faces. "To the people of White Bear, thank you for supporting us through this transition," said Patel. "We are still working on building that inventory, and I'm glad that you guys are still coming in, even if we are low or out of particular products that you like. I assure you in couple of months, we will be fully stocked, and have everything ready to go." WHIT E BEAR WINE & SPIRITS 2140 3rd St. White Bear Lake WHITE BEAR WINE & SPIRITS Bringing New Technology to Historic White Bear Liquor Store " I'm grateful , and I'm blessed that I'm here . It's been a move that I didn't anticipate , but due to support from the community , it's like having God's hand over me . " These words are how Hardik Patel , owner of White Bear Lake Wine & Spirits , has summed up his experience with operating the titular store . Since moving his inventory from the old Controneo's building to its current location , Patel has expressed joy and gratitude over the reception his establishment continues to receive . " Everybody that comes in , they love the store , they love the layout , " said Patel . " It's been a great hit . " Boasting a wide array of local craft beers , wine , spirits and THC drinks , Patel admits that the store's inventory is still growing . This , he says , is due to selling a substantial portion of his then - Controneo's inventory to establish White Bear Lake Wine & Spirits . Nonetheless , Patel is both thankful and gracious about the traffic he receives . " The transition is going good , " said Patel . " We're grateful for our clients that still come back , and understanding that it will take time to rebuild business . " However , Patel's future store plans do not end with just a straightforward move . New technology is in the works to give his location an edge over competitors with better pricing and new opportunities . One of these is through Lacy , an online alcohol - delivery app that , according to Patel , will be among the first liquor stores in the city to integrate this technology for use . " You can get an instant rebate on a product rather than filling out a mail - in one , " explained Patel . " It also does a price comparison , so it gives you credit if you buy from the store here . If there is anything cheaper anywhere , it finds it in a couple - mile - radius and finds the lowest price to give you the difference on the app . " LOVE Through the store's loyalty program , customers can earn points through their purchases and receive discounts for special occasions , such as their birthdays . " Whether you use the app or not , you can come in , give the phone number that is associated with your account , and get points every time you purchase something , " said Patel . In addition to prioritizing customer service , Patel intends for his business to become more involved in local charity events . Most of this involvement is donating products to different local programs and establishments , such as the White Bear Lake Center for the Arts , for special events . In addressing present and future customers , Patel has reaffirmed his thanks to the White Bear Lake community for supporting the store's transition , regardless of any difficulties the store faces . " To the people of White Bear , thank you for supporting us through this transition , " said Patel . " We are still working on building that inventory , and I'm glad that you guys are still coming in , even if we are low or out of particular products that you like . I assure you in couple of months , we will be fully stocked , and have everything ready to go . " WHIT E BEAR WINE & SPIRITS 2140 3rd St. White Bear Lake