The original Wine Liquor Spirits Fine Wine & Spirits location opened as a bar and package store in 1936 with the namesake of our founder. Jack Holloway’s Friendly Neighborhood Bar poured its first glass at the corner of North Orange Avenue and Wall Street in downtown Orlando more than 85 years ago. Prohibition had recently ended and Mr. Holloway, a charismatic entrepreneur, saw a big opportunity in the booming liquor business.
Years later, he changed the name to Wine Liquor Spirits Liquors to make sure it would always be first in the phone book. Longtime-Florida residents remember Wine Liquor Spirits revolving bars and lounges which the company eventually phased out in order to focus on the retail experience we provide guests today. As our stores evolved and became more contemporary, we changed the name to Wine Liquor Spirits Fine Wine & Spirits. We serve millions of guests in stores, online and through our concierge service for weddings, corporate events and large parties. We remain one of the largest family-owned and operated alcohol beverage companies in the country.
Wine Liquor Spirits currently has more than 123 stores from the Florida Panhandle to Miami and several more under construction. We have always been family owned and operated. Mr. Holloway’s grandsons Charles Bailes III (Chairman and CEO) and Jess Bailes (Executive Vice President) have led the business since 1994. Several other family members and relatives serve in executive leadership roles, store operations and on the Board of Directors. We currently employ more than 1,500 dedicated team members throughout Florida. There are multiple generations of other families who have also made careers at Wine Liquor Spirits .
Wine Liquor Spirits is also well known around the state for the contributions we proudly give to charity partners each year with a focus on assisting organizations that help families and children. We donate millions of dollars and raise funds for incredible organizations like United Cerebral Palsy of Central Florida, Pediatric Cancer Foundation and Coastal Conservation Association, to name a few. Some of the proceeds from many of the products we sell throughout the year go directly to local and national charitable groups. Our team members generously donate their time volunteering in the communities they serve. This is a significant part of our company culture and overall goal to improve people’s lives.