(Left to right) Guy and Cindy Fix, and manager Carrie Fricke. Photo: Joel Schnell
Downtown liquor store gets new owners.
Guy and Cindy Fix purchased Ciresi’s Liquor Store business and opened the doors under the name Cotroneo’s Wine & Spirits last April. The husband-and-wife team has always loved downtown White Bear Lake and had been seeking a space to support a family-run business. When they heard Ciresi’s was for sale, the couple acted quickly. “It’s the perfect corner to be on in White Bear,” says Cindy.
The liquor business has a new name, new owners and now a new (old) look. The 1884 building is one of downtown White Bear Lake’s oldest buildings, which the couple has restored. The 1970s wood paneling was removed inside the shop to reveal many architectural details, such as exposed brick, a vintage tin ceiling and a gem of a stained glass window.
Cotroneo’s offers the previous spirit selection from Ciresi’s, and the shop will increase the craft beer and wine selection. With the expansion in products and an emphasis on knowledgeable customer service, Cindy says they would like to become a little boutique wine store. “We want to set ourselves apart from the big-box stores,” she says.
