Staff Report
Westborough's Julio's Liquors celebrates 40th anniversary
Staff Report
Westborough – Julio's Liquors has not always been the regional destination that it is today. Family-owned and operated since inception, the store was opened in 1974 by Ron Maloney and his brothers-in-law, Gene and Julio Colangelo. The current owner, Ryan Maloney – Ron's son – bought the business in 2000 and since that time has oversaw it's growth into not only one of the top liquor stores in the country, but also one that has earned international acclaim.
To celebrate its 40th anniversary milestone, Julio's has planned a number of special bonus sales that will occur throughout the remainder of the year. Giving back to the consumers who have allowed the store to thrive in a competitive marketplace, Maloney said, is always a priority.
Always eager to be a good corporate citizen, Maloney has given back by serving as host for many fundraisers over the years, raising thousands of dollars for numerous organizations including the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Rotary Club of Westborough, NEADS/Dogs for Deaf and Disabled Americans, the Shriners and local food banks.
Maloney is also is quick to credit his staff for the store's success.
“Of course, we wouldn's be where we are today if it weren's for our employees,” he said.
To thank them, Maloney will shut down the store for a day, Monday, Aug. 4 and treat his employees and their families to a day of fun at Six Flags New England.
Through innovation and savvy marketing, Julio's Liquors also continues to win awards, both locally and internationally.? Every year since 2011, Wicked Local has awarded the store a gold star in the Reader's Choice Awards. The Massachusetts Beverage Business named Julio's Liquor Retailer of the Year in 2011. The American Beverage Licenses named the liquor store Retailer of the Year twice, once with each owner. Ryan Maloney was also chosen as a Market Watch Leader in 2012.
In 2012, Julio's was one of a select few U.S. retailers who was given the opportunity to purchase a limited quantity of what many consider to be the world's top beer, Westvleteren 12, made by the Trappist monks at St. Sixtus Abbey's Westvleteren Brewery in Belgium.
And on a more global scale, Whisky Magazine, one of the top whisky publications that is distributed worldwide, has recognized Julio's Liquors by nominating them for the award “Whisky Retailer of the Year Single Outlet.” Julio's won that award in 2013 and received high accolades in that category in 2014. Maloney was also inducted into Keepers of the Quaich, a highly exclusive community of those influential in Scotch Whisky, in 2012.
“We'se gone from just your backyard liquor store to being well-known to people in Scotland, Germany, Norway, Canada, and more. It's an incredible feeling,” said Maloney.
Julio's Liquors is located on 140 Turnpike Rd. ?in Westborough. The store, just under 20,000square feet, has an extensive variety of beer, wine, spirits, tobacco, hot sauces, and gourmet foods. Learn more about Julio's Liquors by visiting www.juliosliquors.com or www.facebook.com/juliosliquors.
As a reminder, Julio's will be closed on Monday, Aug. 4 for Staff Appreciation Day.