Jan. 15, 2018

This piece is presented by JJ’s Wine, Spirits & Cigars.

Once every year, the bank teller line at CorTrust Bank’s downtown location becomes an open bar.

Glassware is stacked.

Wine is poured.

Cocktails are prepped.

And the bank’s staff and customers celebrate the end of a successful year and the start of the holiday season. It’s an effortless transformation for the CorTrust team, thanks to a longstanding relationship with JJ’s Wine, Spirits & Cigars.

“We have no worries,” director of marketing Ann Metli said. “They come in and take care of everything we need without question. It’s just a relief to know when I call Tom, I don’t have to think about it again because I know he’ll take care of it.”

Tom Slattery, owner of JJ’s, knows the word is getting out about his business’ turnkey Special Events & Beverage Service.

“We had an incredibly busy holiday season,” he said. “Now that we’re also able to deliver all the adult beverages to our customers, they’re really realizing how much of the work we take out of their hands, allowing them to enjoy hosting their events.”

The JJ’s team does it all. They bring the glassware, adult beverages, mixers and nonalcoholic drinks. They set up the bar. And then they serve.

“And not only did they have service at the bar for our 250 guests, the JJ’s employees walk around and ask if people would like another drink,” Metli said. “They’re not just standing there. They’re going up to people and keeping their beverages full.”

The team is top-notch, she added.

“They’ve done this a lot. They’re not brand-new at bartending. They’re really comfortable doing their job, and they do it well.”

At CorTrust, JJ’s even created two signature drinks for the event: A cranberry gin ginger fizz and a handcrafted bourbon maple sour.

“We like to go above and beyond what our hosts and even their guests would expect,” Slattery said. “We work with you on what selection of beverages you’d like at the event, and if you like the idea of a custom drink, we’re happy to help craft one.”

“I also know I can always count on Tom for expert advice, even if I’m just emailing asking how to make a drink or for recommendations,” Metli added. “He’ll always point us in the right direction.”

Just because the holiday party season is over doesn’t mean beverage service stops, Slattery said.

“Wedding season is right around the corner, and this is a great time of year for a corporate or social event. You typically get great attendance as people are looking for something to break up the winter,” he said.

“When we move into our new facility this summer, we will also be adding in-house events with a 1,200-square-foot indoor event space and a 4,000-square-foot tent for our parking lot that will be placed right next to our cocktail bar for efficient service. So when you rent the tent, you get the whole bar as well. You also get the flexibility of hiring your own caterer.”

To learn more about JJ’s Special Events & Beverage Service, contact Slattery at [email protected].