We recently connected with Chelsea Remines and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Chelsea thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Your ability to build a team is often a key determinant of your success as a business owner and so we’d love to get a conversation going with successful entrepreneurs like yourself around what your recruiting process was like -especially early on. How did you build your team?
When I first opened Tides & Vine, it was just my sister, Ashlea, and me. We started small, opening only three days a week—Thursday through Saturday—uncertain of how a cozy little bar would fare in our small, quiet town. At the time, I wasn’t even living on the Eastern Shore yet. Ashlea took charge of running the bar, while I handled the administrative tasks and behind-the-scenes planning.
It didn’t take long for us to realize how much the community loved what we were building. As our customer base grew, so did the demand for us to expand our hours. That’s when we began looking for additional help. But instead of a formal recruiting process, we found the best employees were already right in front of us—our regulars.
Andrew, who’s been with us for almost two years, started helping out because he lived nearby and often walked his adorable puppy past Tides. He’s now our go-to flatbread guru. Jordan and Molly? They spent so much time hanging out at the bar that we eventually wrangled them into helping out. We’re also fortunate to have a network of people who step in when needed (shoutouts to Zach, Jake, & Derek)—whether that’s taking out the trash, restocking beer on busy nights, or just standing in when we need a break.
It’s an unconventional hiring process, I’ll admit, but it works for us. Recruiting people who already understand and love our vibe means they treat the business as if it’s their own. They’re more than just employees; they’re family. If I were starting today, I wouldn’t change a thing. That personal, grassroots approach to hiring has been a huge part of what makes Tides & Vine feel like home—not just for our customers, but for our team as well.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m the owner and founder of Tides & Vine, a cozy little bar located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland in historic downtown Snow Hill. My journey here has been shaped by years of working in bars and restaurants, and a deep love for the connections that happen around a good drink or a shared plate of food. My real passion for wine started when I worked at a small wine bar in Coronado, California. It wasn’t just about the wine—it was about the stories behind it and the way it brought people together. I knew I wanted to create something similar of my own someday.
Tides & Vine is that dream brought to life. I wanted to create a space that felt welcoming, warm, and just a little magical—a place where people could gather, relax, share meaningful moments, and more importantly, be themselves. We focus on boutique wines and local craft beers, carefully chosen to give our guests something special they can’t find elsewhere in the area. Our menu features lite fare like artisan flatbreads, soft-baked pretzels, house-made dips and rotating seasonal specials that showcase fresh, local ingredients.
But Tides & Vine is so much more than just drinks and food, Tides is a space for connection. We’ve created an eclectic, vintage-inspired atmosphere complete with plush velvet couches, antique decor, and a lush greenery wall. It’s a place where people can unwind, celebrate, or just feel at home.
What sets us apart is our deep connection to the community. We’re more than just a bar—we’re a gathering place. We host live music and have expanded into events like craft workshops, book clubs, run clubs, and themed parties. Whether it’s Robb shucking local oysters, karaoke nights hosted by “Simba”, or game day specials on Sundays, there’s always something happening here. Some of my favorite nights are when the bar is buzzing with conversation and laughter, and you can feel how much people enjoy being here.
I’m incredibly proud of how far we’ve come. Tides has grown into a hub for our small town. When we first opened, I didn’t know how well we’d be received, but the community has embraced us wholeheartedly. We’ve become a part of people’s lives, whether they’re stopping by to catch up with friends, celebrate milestones, or just enjoy a quiet drink.
If there’s one thing I want people to know, it’s that Tides & Vine is built on passion and a love for bringing people together. We’re not just about selling drinks and food—we’re about creating moments, fostering connections, and building a sense of belonging. If you haven’t visited yet, I invite you to come see what we’re all about.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
I think what’s really helped us build our reputation is staying true to who we are and genuinely connecting with our community. From the start, I wanted Tides & Vine to feel like more than just a bar—I wanted it to be a welcoming space where people could relax, connect, make memories, and feel like they’re part of something special.
A big part of that is the personal touches we’ve put into Tides & Vine. From the excessive amount of bats on our walls in October to taping birthday candles onto beers for guests’ birthdays, we’ve poured our heart into everything. People notice those little things that make them smile, and they appreciate the care we put into what we do. It’s not just a business to us—it’s an extension of ourselves.
Consistency has also been key, especially in a small town. From keeping to our posted hours to ensuring the quality of our wines and the friendliness of our service, we’ve worked hard to maintain a high standard. Our regulars know they can count on us for a great experience every time they walk through the door. Word of mouth has also been one of our biggest assets—seeing happy guests bring their friends and family means the world to us.
At the end of the day, what sets us apart is the genuine care we put into everything we do and staying true to ourselves. It’s not just about running a business; it’s about creating something meaningful and memorable for the people we serve.
Do you have any stories of times when you almost missed payroll or any other near death experiences for your business?
One close call that stands out was the time we had a literal waterfall in our basement. Our building dates back to 1900, so it comes with its fair share of quirks, but this one took the cake. I got a panicked call from my sister, who was ankle-deep in water, followed by video texts of a full-blown waterfall pouring through the basement wall. To say it was stressful is an understatement.
For the longest time, we had no idea where the water was coming from. Every time it rained, we braced for impact, even jokingly renaming the bartender on duty the “lighthouse keeper” for the night. But deep down, I was terrified the building might not survive.
Eventually, after what felt like endless trial and error, we figured out the source of the problem. While it’s not 100% fixed, we’ve managed to seal some key trouble spots, and thankfully, we no longer need a lighthouse keeper on standby every time the forecast calls for rain. It’s one of those moments that tested our patience and problem-solving skills, but it also reminded me that when you’re running a business, sometimes you just have to roll with the punches—waterfalls and all.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @tidesandvine
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tidesandvine
