We recently connected with Ben Torres and have shared our conversation below.
Ben, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about your team building process? How did you recruit and train your team and knowing what you know now would you have done anything differently?
Our hospitality group started in 2020 in the midst of the pandemic – I like to use the analogy of a phoenix rising out of the ashes, for all you Harry Potter fans. We were interviewing people from all walks of life, who had been furloughed /laid off over the past few months, several of them hopeful to find a long-term option in an industry that tends to be quite volatile in turnover.
When I partnered up with this proprietor, my vision was to have a group that looked out for its employees – which is a rare find in hospitality. By posting their schedules well in advance, giving them a reliable pay schedule and format, and helping fund their efforts for industry connections and continued education – we have been able to cultivate an environment of creativity, dependability, and teamwork. Anyone, regardless of title/position, working over 30 hours a week becomes eligible for medical, vision, and dental benefits – another anomaly that exists in hospitality, in addition to the accrual of PTO.
While other industries may find these things “normal” for doing business, this industry simply hasn’t had the luxury of these items for the sake of established owners becoming complacent with their bottom lines – or rather, favoring their disbursements over the well-being of their staff. By placing our people first, we are then able to provide an impeccable atmosphere for our guests to enjoy at each of our 3 locations today.
Ben, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
The cigar community is a unique one, in that only 1% of those who smoke tobacco on a regular basis are the ones enjoying cigars themselves. This creates a small family spread throughout the world, connected by the very thing they love to partake. We have tied this to a concept with a full bar and full kitchen in a state that allows us to do so under the private membership format, offering something for every walk of life no matter what their preference in drinks / food / smokes may be. As someone who has been in hospitality for the last 20 years in a variety of capacities, this is where true guest experiences begin to take place – and leave lasting impressions post-pandemic as people are a little more cautious about the time and money they spend going out.
While we are open 7 days a week at each of our locations, we also enjoy hosting and planning private events for businesses and individuals alike. Our decor aesthetic is one not found often in this market, and people tend to gravitate towards something their guests will remember for exactly that. By plugging into the different outlets of mixologists, tobacconists, and culinary lovers alike – we are able to craft menus for every season and occasion that bring smiles to everyone’s faces.
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
Oddly enough, I chose to get married the summer of 2020 – in the midst of one of the craziest times of our lives, my wife and I were determined to tie the knot (even if it meant only our pastor with parents as witnesses). As I prepared to move out of my bachelor pad, she informed me that most of my belongings would not be coming to “our” new home – so I listed a lot of artwork and furniture for sale in the Charlotte area.
Dan had just bought The Wine Loft from its founder and was looking to revamp the look of the space, and happened to stumble upon my bar-themed artwork online! When I swung by to drop off the pieces, he filled me in on the vision for the cigar and whiskey bar he hoped to open 6-12 months down the road. A few weeks later, a liquor rep asked me if I was open to a conversation with someone I recently met… and guess who it was?
Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?
Take the time to listen to your team – everyone’s communication styles are different, and it is important to have everyone take basic personality tests in order to best understand those styles. High morale comes from a proper work/life balance, which is also hard to find in this industry – but we do our darndest to create opportunity for everyone to take the extended weekend away to refresh and reset.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thevintageclt.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/thevintageclt
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thevintageclt/
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/thevintageclt
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/9urbhfoF_78?si=84lgOBkKaHjYinNy
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-vintage-whiskey-and-cigar-bar-charlotte-2
Image Credits
Photos from Sue Sidzina