Today we’d like to introduce you to John Passman.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Moved back to my hometown Atlanta after graduating from Fresno State in 1992. Turns out the job market for those with an Anthropology degree is limited, to say the least. Worked in restaurants for a little while, as I did in college to pay for school, and wine became an interest. Got a job at Happy Herman’s in Sandy Springs in ’95 as a stock boy in the wine shop which carried a lot of European wines. The buyer let me taste with him and suppliers and after a couple of weeks I was hooked. I felt like I understood things and was fascinated by it all. Tirelessly took notes on every wine I tasted over the next couple of years, read books, copied maps and when the buyer left the owners gave me the position. Worked as the buyer for a couple of other stores and traveled extensively to Europe until opening my own shop, Cellar 13 Wine Merchant in December of 2008.
Has it been a smooth road?
The biggest challenge was initially conceiving the business parameters. In that Cellar 13 opened in December of 2008 the six months planning the business prior to that was greatly affected by the dire economic downturn. Inventory levels and scope, staffing (payroll), acceptable rent levels, etc. all evolved into ultimately what Cellar 13 has become which is essentially a fine wine shop specializing in European and domestic wine, hand-selected, mainly estate-bottled, family-owned producers with me as the only full-time employee. Taking a cue from the shrinking marketplace reducing inventory and payroll seemed critical and after nine years it’s evident that making these adjustments made for an efficient, focused business that can adapt quickly and without burden of excessive debt. Rather than be all things to all people I decided that focusing on my strengths and principal interests would more distinguish Cellar 13 for wine consumers and create more loyal clients.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Cellar 13 Wine Merchant – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Fine wine shop specializing in European and domestic wines, mainly family owned, estate-bottled from small producers. French wines, especially from Burgundy and the Rhone Valley are a focus. Unique Italian and Spanish selections along with the best California, Washington, and Oregon wines I can find make for shop filled with rarely seen treasures. Each wine at Cellar 13 has a story. I taste all week long every week to choose the very best wine for its category and price point.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I like that Atlantans are very open to new experiences and trying wines even if they are unfamiliar with them. Exploring the world of wine has been my passion and I’m fortunate to be able to share this with my clients.
I think the obvious answer for a downside to Atlanta is the traffic which tends to make whatever location you choose to be in of paramount importance because it’s difficult to draw repeat business from all over Atlanta.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3765 Roswell Rd., Atlanta, GA 30342
- Website: www.cellar13.com
- Phone: 404.816.4071
- Email: jpassman@cellar13.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cellar13wine/
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