The liquor store, owned by brothers Brad and Doug Markovitz, is heavily focused on customer service and community outreach.
By Jacob Engels
Several years ago when Avalon Liquor opened their doors, residents and observers said they enjoyed having access to a liquor store, but did not believe they would be able to make it. I was one of those people. As someone who has lived in Avalon Park since the beginning, I have seen business come and go… to many sad stories too count and too many “Closed For Good” signs to remember.
But after two solid years in business, Avalon Liquor has defied all expectations and continues to satisfy customers. Now, selling liquor is not exactly rocket science, but proper staffing and knowing what products to stock is something that is learned over time and from experience.
That is where the Markovitz brothers have really succeeded. Lead by the affable Bob Burmeister, a longtime resident of Eastwood, service at Avalon Liquor is nothing short of exemplary each and every time. Now, what I am about to admit…I probably should not.
But, I’m half-Irish, so here we go… I visit Avalon Liquor daily if not twice daily on most days. Whether it is the dayshift with Dianne, or early evening with Jon, it is always a pleasure to spend your hard earned money at Avalon Liquor. Months ago when I broke the story on Orange/Osceola State Attorney Jeff Ashton, the entire staff congratulated East Orlando Post and our staff for yet again calling out hypocritical politicians. That is what they do.
I have overheard them asking about how customers are doing professionally, how their children’s soccer team did the past weekend, or how the family is doing.
“We are very careful to hire people who are ingrained into the community and have exceptional people skills, compassion, and attention to detail,” said Markovitz. And it goes past that. When you want something that you don’t see, the staff is quick to order it and give you call when it is in.
Their weekly raffle gift-basket giveaways are easily worth more than the purchase price of the ticket. During the holidays, they keep a wonderful rotation of gift-sets from Jack Daniels, Rum-Chata, Belvedere, Johnnie Walker, and Crown Royal. Tito’s Vodka, my favorite, is kept chilled with a wide assortment of mixers and juices to pair with your favorite beverage.
Craft beer selections maintain the staples, while interchanging the best seasonal options. So, next time you think “I’ll just go to ABC”, think again. Support a local business that actually cares about it’s customers as much, if not more, then meeting the bottom line. Loyalty card ain’t half bad either!
Jacob Engels, is the Founder of East Orlando Post & Seminole County Post. He is a seasoned political operative who has led numerous statewide political groups and has worked on several high-profile local, statewide, and national races. Jacob has been interviewed on national television & radio programs, with his work having been featured in the Orlando Sentinel, New York Times, Washington Post, Miami Herald and other publications nationwide. He can be reached at info@eastorlandopost.com
