We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kyle Merritt. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kyle below.

Hi Kyle, thanks for joining us today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

The idea of opening my own bar first took root when I was just 19. My journey began as a server in a bustling restaurant in Goldsboro, where I quickly discovered my love for the hospitality industry. After two years of serving, I was given the chance to step behind the bar and start mixing drinks. I found myself captivated by every aspect of bartending, especially the opportunity to connect with each patron who sat at my bar.

I realized that my true passion lay in building relationships and crafting unique experiences for people. With an entrepreneurial spirit simmering within me, I knew that I wanted to be a bar owner. Not long after I started bartending, I approached the restaurant owner with a proposal to open a cocktail bar together. His response was understandably cautious—after all, I was a 21-year-old with little more than a dream and no financial backing.

Fast forward six years: I’ve gained invaluable experience through various bartending jobs and embarked on a successful four-year career in real estate. When a prime location became available in downtown Goldsboro, it felt like the stars had aligned. I finally had the resources to turn my vision into reality, and I knew exactly the kind of space and culture I wanted to create—a cozy, inviting cocktail bar that fosters genuine connections.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Growing up in a single-income household, my family may not have had much in terms of material wealth, but we were rich in love and support. My mother, a dedicated provider, worked countless hours to ensure my siblings and I had everything we needed. She was not just our caregiver; she was my first teacher, instilling in me the values of hard work and determination.

From a young age, I was drawn to entrepreneurship. I can still remember organizing yard sales in our neighborhood, selling everything from toys to handmade crafts. Those early experiences taught me the importance of initiative and creativity in business. As I grew older, I channeled that spirit into a car detailing business during high school. Each venture, no matter how small, fueled my passion for creating and connecting with others.

Today, I am proud to be the owner of multiple bars and businesses, including my latest venture, Church Spirits and Cocktails. At Church, our mission is clear: to provide our customers with a true craft experience. We focus on friendly service, innovative cocktails, and a space that is simple, welcoming, and minimalistic. We believe that a great night out is about more than just drinks; it’s about creating an atmosphere where friends can gather, enjoy meaningful conversations, and unwind together.

Every detail at Church is designed with our patrons in mind. From the carefully curated drink menu to the inviting decor, we strive to ensure that everyone who walks through our doors feels at home. Our commitment to quality and community is rooted in the lessons I learned from my mother. Her dedication inspires me to create a space where everyone feels valued and appreciated.

As I reflect on my journey, I am grateful for the love and support that shaped me. My story is not just about business success; it’s about honoring my roots and giving back to the community that nurtured me. I hope that through my work, I can inspire others to embrace their own journeys, no matter how humble the beginnings.

At Church Spirits and Cocktails, we invite you to join us in creating unforgettable memories, celebrating the joys of life, and savoring the art of craft cocktails. Here’s to love, hard work, and the beautiful connections that bring us all together.

Have you ever had to pivot?

My life took a profound turn when I lost my mother to cancer. In that moment, I realized I was the only person who could truly care for myself. It was a wake-up call, driving me to forge my own path and become self-reliant. I understood that I could no longer lean on my mom during tough times; instead, I had to rise to the occasion and build a future for myself. This experience ignited a determination within me to make something meaningful out of my life.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I was able to build a strong reputation in our market by maintaining high expectations for myself and my team. From the very beginning, I had a clear vision of what I wanted our business to be, and I committed myself to that vision with unwavering determination.

I believed that excellence should be the standard in everything we did, and I worked tirelessly to instill that mindset in my staff. Together, we cultivated a culture of accountability and pride in our work, where every team member felt empowered to contribute their best.

Sticking to my vision meant making tough decisions and sometimes stepping outside of my comfort zone. However, I knew that consistency was key to earning trust and respect within the industry. Over time, this dedication paid off, and our reputation for quality and integrity began to flourish.

As we continued to grow, I found that my commitment to our values inspired those around me to strive for greatness as well. It became clear that when you hold yourself and your team to high standards, the results speak for themselves, and that is how we carved out a respected place in the market.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.churchspiritsandcocktails.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/churchspiritsandcocktails/?hl=en

Image Credits
Ashlee Falconer