Aug. 14, 2025

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

It takes a team to continually be named one of the top retailers in an industry.

JJ’s Wine, Spirits & Cigars recently received another nod from Beverage Dynamics magazine as a Top 100 Retailer of the Year, ranked No. 13 in 2025.

“It’s important to know who’s responsible for making this happen,” said Tom Slattery, who owns JJ’s with his wife, Jean.

“We’re fortunate to have built a strong team with skills that complement one another. Without these key people and our support staff, what we have accomplished and will accomplish are not possible.”

From adult-beverage professionals, event pros, bakers and chefs, it takes a first-class team to deliver the complete JJ’s experience.

“That said, we’re always looking to add great talent whether it’s a seasonal role supporting events or a long-term career and encourage you to reach out to learn more if this seems like the type of place that’s a fit for you,” Slattery said. If you are interested in pursuing an opportunity with JJ’s, visit the website here. 

Ready for an up-close and personal look at the team? Read on.

Julie Hoffman – in-house event manager/off-site event manager/retail

Julie Hoffman joined the JJ’s team when it moved from the old location to the new one about seven years ago.

 “In fact, I actually helped move the store and was then asked to join the team in June of 2018,” she said.

 “My major role with JJ’s is events, on-site and off-site. We offer an event room at JJ’s and also do private catering off-site. I oversee the suites at Augustana Midco Arena and Augustana Kirkeby-Over Stadium. I also work on the retail side, assisting guests with suggestions and help finding what they are looking for, wrapping gifts and making gift boxes.”

Favorite part about working at JJ’s: “The people! This includes our guests, our patrons and my co-workers! I enjoy helping people celebrate their special occasions, be it a graduation, wedding, rehearsal dinner, retirement, business outing, birthday, anniversary or celebration of life.”

JJ’s pro tip: “Try imported wine! There are so many good wines under $25 that come from different regions of the world. My beverage of choice is tequila; tequila is not the same as what you drank in college.

“Everyone needs to try our patio, drink a margarita and eat our brisket nachos. And bring your dog!”

Tom’s take: “We knew ‘of’ Julie for several years before she came to work for us. Julie’s role with our organization is integral in the service element of our business. She has years of experience in the industry and with that brings a level of service to everything she does that is incomparable in the industry.”

Kate Barker – kitchen manager for The Boozy Bakery

Bakery manager Kate Barker joined JJ’s when the new location opened in June 2018 but started training as a baker shortly before that alongside co-owner Jean Slattery.

“The two of us create all the tasty goodies you see in the case weekly, as well as I handle supply orders for the kitchen with our executive chef Kaleb,” she said. “I manage customer orders, handle our social media and do the planning and organization of our baked goods.”

Favorite part about working at JJ’s: “I love baking and coming up with fun new ideas with Jean, and working with our charcutier, Cara.”

JJ’s pro tip: “JJ’s is for all adults, but not just those who drink alcohol! I don’t drink, but I love hanging out on the patio with one of our mocktails. I appreciate that the bartenders work so hard to create a fun environment and new cocktails for every palate. In the bakery, around half of our goodies have alcohol in them; the other half are sober friendly!”

Tom’s take: To JJ’s, Kate runs The Boozy Bakery and JJ’s Kitchen. She started with us before we opened our current location and continues to excel at creating wonderful desserts for our guests and retail customers. To Jean and I, Kate is our third child and an important part of our family. We look forward to expanding her role with our organization as she pursues a career in accounting.

Kaleb Blue – executive chef

Kaleb Blue serves as executive chef at JJ’s and joined the team in mid-2020 to lead savory foods in the kitchen.

“It’s definitely evolved a lot since I started and have grown in the kitchen to have an expanded menu with different choices and options for everyone, while also preparing food and meals for catering events,” he said.

Favorite part about working at JJ’s: “Working with all of our co-workers that are trying really hard to provide a wonderful experience for our guests and really just being aligned in the same goals.”

JJ’s pro tip: “If you want to know more about anything pertaining to alcohol or cocktails ask. You can learn so much from our staff about how certain liquors are distilled and what all of the different names mean, while also learning stories about the history of bourbon and other spirits. My personal favorites are the Smoked Rum Old-Fashioned cocktail in JJ’s Bar and the Cinnamon Twisties from The Boozy Bakery.

Tom’s take: Kaleb joined us during the pandemic with the intention of developing our meals-to-go program. As we started talking and I could sense his passion for creating food, we quickly evolved his role to executive chef, leaning heavily into food as part of the experience in JJ’s Bar.

“If you have eaten the wonderful dishes we prepare, you have him to thank for it! Kaleb and his team have also leaned into catering of late and are doing an amazing job.”

Carrie Hartje – JJ’s Bar manager/lead mixologist

Bar manager Carrie Hartje also supports the team as a bartender and server. She joined in 2019 after being hired to work at Levitt at the Falls events for JJ’s.

“I enjoyed my team at JJ’s so much, I asked if I could fill in some bar shifts, and here I am today,” she said.

Favorite part about working at JJ’s: “The people I work with and the customers who I have gotten to know over the years. Plus, I love crafting up new cocktails.”

JJ’s pro tip: “Don’t settle for artificial flavors in your cocktails. Infuse your alcohol with fresh herbs, fruit, spices, whatever makes you happy. My favorites: mojito, the Cinnamon Twisties from The Boozy Bakery on Saturday morning, the 3.0 Old-Fashioned is a must-try, and our margarita is amazing. And do not miss trying chef Kaleb Blue’s dishes, especially on the patio.”

Tom’s take: “When Carrie joined our team as one of the first to sign up for working Levitt concerts, I immediately recognized a spirit in her that was very similar to my own. When given the opportunity to bring her on to run the bar, it was a no-brainer. While she did not develop the cocktail culture at JJ’s, she is the protector of its legacy as a master mixologist.

“Carrie may also be seen working at various events around the community. Her level of service makes every event she’s at memorable.”

Bri Lindner – assistant bar manager/lead mixologist

Bri Lindner serves as assistant bar manager, bartender and server at JJ’s. She joined in mid-2023 without much experience bartending but quickly benefited from hands-on learning.

“From great people, amazing cocktails, excellent food and an ambient atmosphere, I may have some bias in how much I love being a part of the JJ’s team. I really think JJ’s, as a whole, is a hidden treasure in itself,” she said.

You’ll find her juicing fresh lime and lemon juice, stocking the bar with JJ’s bottles and syrups, infusing liquors and syrups, and curating fun new cocktails for the menu.

Favorite part about working at JJ’s: “I absolutely love my colleagues here at JJ’s, and I adore the guests that come in. If there were a picturesque description of a mom-and-pop shop, I believe JJ’s has captured it. From the day I started working here, I have considered this place a family. That simply would not be possible without the wonderful people who work here and the amazing people that come in to support us.”

JJ’s pro tip: “Get to know our employees! We love meeting new people, and we’ll come up with cocktails and food suggestions based on what we learn about you. I love gin-based cocktails and bitter aperitifs. In fact, my favorite beverage is called Bri’s J-Term January, which was my play on an negroni. This cocktail includes gin, Aperol, lemon juice and cherry bitters. I believe our hidden gem is our kitchen. Chef Kaleb curates some amazing dishes, and our weekly food features are a must-have when they are available!”

Tom’s take: “Bri is the bright smile we see every morning in JJ’s Bar. She has also taken to event work with great passion and a gift for organization and creativity when it comes to guest satisfaction.

“Bri is an example of someone who came to us for a transition job while she explored options for a career after college and decided that this was her passion, and it shows.”

Barry Milbauer – cigar guru/retail support

Retail clerk/cashier Barry Milbauer joined JJ’s five years ago and works “sporadically” in a part-time role.

“I fill in if extra help is needed, but now I primarily maintain the cigar humidor,” he said. “I am responsible for ordering cigars and various accessories, and this usually involves just a few hours per week.”

Favorite part about working at JJ’s: “This is my retirement job after spending most of my career in sales. I knew that if I took a part-time job it would have to be something that I love, and I must say that I have truly loved working at JJ’s.

“I love the staff and the customers, a lot of whom have become good friends. I also love learning about the industry, especially learning about bourbon and tequila.”

JJ’s pro tip: “I would encourage anyone coming to JJ’s to create a relationship with our staff. We are always willing to answer any question and offer an opinion if needed. We have an excellent selection of spirits, especially bourbon.

“When I travel, I sample other Old-Fashioned cocktails and have yet to find one that is made the way we make them at JJ’s Bar.

“A treat for most of our customers is a trip to The Boozy Bakery. The treats that our staff creates are incredible, and we have many customers coming back week after week for their favorites.”

Tom’s take: Barry and his wife, Barb, had been long-time customers and friends of JJ’s before Barry came on board after he retired. His knowledge of cigar products is unparalleled, and he’s just genuinely funny and understands the necessity of customer satisfaction. His sense of humor, while old school, is a perfect balance for all the young people working for us.”

Joe Schroepfer – store operations manager 

Store operations manager Joe Schroepfer joined the JJ’s team in November 2019, first as a second job working a couple of nights a week on the retail side. He lost his job during 2020 and became a full-time “beer manager” shortly after that before being promoted in 2021.

“My current role involves handling all orders, invoices, new items and customer relations,” he said.

Favorite part about working at JJ’s: “The daily interactions with our regulars, both store and bar side.  Also, the great crew that we have assembled at JJ’s. There has been a group of us that have been together for four-plus years now. Not exaggerating when we say that we spend more time with each other than we do our families at home.”

JJ’s pro tip: “Ask questions, and try something new. Having a regular standby is great, but there are so many good options out there in every category.

“The ‘Joey-G’ version of the Tommy Gimlet on the bar side is my go-to. Ted created it in the summer of 2023, and I have been hooked ever since.  Our 3.0 Old-Fashioned is also top-notch.  Since our gimlet is so unique and I can never find anything similar when traveling, I typically try Old-Fashioneds, and it never fails that the JJ’s version is always better. Part of that I attribute to us using our ‘Store Picks’ and our use of our JJ’s Single Barrel Barrel-Aged maple syrup instead of regular simple syrup.

“With our mobile beverage service, people can experience JJ’s in so many ways. Whether it be any of the many Augustana events that our team is at, Levitt at the Falls, or corporate events or weddings. JJ’s did the beverage service for my own wedding this last September, and to say that the crew did an amazing job is an understatement, even with a few of our key players enjoying the day/night off and being involved in the actual wedding.”

Tom’s take: “What can I say about Joe. Joe got his job because of knowledge of beer. Joe was elevated to his current role because of his willingness to embrace my chaos and rudder this ship with a degree of optimism and professionalism that is rare today.

“He’s also developed a solid nose for whiskey and wine and has been instrumental in selecting a large portion of our store selections in the last four years.”

Ted “Eggpie” Slattery – assistant store operations manager 

Assistant store operations manager Ted Slattery began his career at JJ’s in 2020 as a bartender and server. After about two years, he transitioned to the store side as a retail clerk before being promoted to his current role: maintaining the store, stocking, customer service “or pretty much anything Joe needs me to do.”

Favorite part about working at JJ’s: “My favorite part of working at JJ’s is definitely the people I work with. I get to work with some of my favorite people daily, most of whom are now lifelong connections. I will always be indebted to JJ’s for that.”

JJ’s pro tip: “If you remember a cocktail from a previous menu that you loved and maybe wanted to try again, you should ask Noah. He has a very good memory of our cocktail menus and would happily see if we have the ingredients to make it again.

“We also have the largest open-bottle selection in Sioux Falls! So if you’re just getting into whiskey, tequila or just want to try new things, we have flights, and they’re even half-price on Wednesdays.”

Tom’s take: “It took a minute to get him on board, as Ted was trying to figure out life after college. And even when we did, it took some convincing that this was a solid career path for him. Once he embraced that notion, Ted cemented himself as valued member of our team.

“He is constantly learning and has taken on another role as a lead event facilitator, making sure everything is in order before an event goes out the door.

“Ted is also a Slattery — son of my second cousin, the other Tom Slattery — so that gives me a sense of pride to have another family member embracing the JJ’s culture.

“Side note: Where does the nickname come from? Early on in Ted’s career, he was inquiring about a certain savory pastry in The Boozy Bakery. He asked, pointing out the quiche, ‘What is that? An eggpie?’ And it is now his forever nickname.”

Tyl Woelber – Levitt-Augustana events manager/bartender

You’ll find Tyl Woelber behind the bar at JJ’s but also managing events at Augustana University and Levitt at the Falls.

Favorite part about working at JJ’s: “The people for sure. Between the kitchen staff, retail and bar staff, we are like an oddly put together work family.

“Regardless of what happens, we love one another by the end of the night. We have a good relationship outside of work as well.”

JJ’s pro tip: “Come out and enjoy a beer at JJ’s beer gardens or bars at Augustana sporting events! When football and hockey start up again, come out and be a part of the crowd there. Plus, during the summer, it’s a great opportunity to enjoy some live music from great artists down at the Levitt.”

Tom’s take: “Tyl — like the floor, it’s just spelled different — was another one, much like Ted, who was trying to figure out life after college where he was a standout athlete at Augustana University in track and field. It didn’t take much to convince him to try us out but needed a little more convincing to embrace the roles pertaining to Augustana sporting events and Levitt concerts. It is a grind, and Tyl performs, sometimes begrudgingly, but remarkably with everything I throw at him.”

Noah Bunger – lead mixologist/retail support

Noah Bunger joined the team at JJ’s in 2021 as an event server at Levitt concerts. After the end of the 2021 Levitt season, he expressed an interest in bartending in JJ’s Bar and quickly took to the role. He’s now a full-time lead bartender, cocktail creator and retail supervisor.

Favorite part about working at JJ’s: “Without a doubt, the people I work with are some of the kindest and most knowledgeable folks I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with.

“From making me feel welcome the moment I stepped in the door four years ago to the community I’ve seen them build with their passion for what they do, I couldn’t ask for a better JJ’s family. They inspire me to be the best version of myself both on the clock and off.”

JJ’s pro tip: “Don’t be afraid to mix things up. Try that cocktail you love with a new twist. Ask your bartender to help you revive an old classic or whip up a drink you’ve heard about. Some of my favorite drinks to make are the ones where a customer will give me a base liquor and say ‘surprise me!'”

Tom’s take: “Noah is an exceptional mixologist. His skills at creating cocktails models some of the greats in our brief history at JJ’s. Noah is also a great service-first employee and understands the needs of guests before they do.”

Brayden Harrington – full-time bartender/retail support

Brayden Harrington joined JJ’s as a dishwasher in October 2022 before he turned 21 in October 2023. Once he was old enough, he was transitioned into bar and retail and has been doing both since then.

Favorite part about working at JJ’s: “The people! Love meeting new people all the time. It gives me the chance to see what people do around town, what new interest I could possibly learn about, new restaurants around town, new bars that have been opening up!

“The people at JJ’s are my favorite part because of all the different conversations that are to be made there.”

JJ’s pro tip: “I would 100 percent say a must go-to would be Levitt. Everyone that knows JJ’s and hasn’t gone to a Levitt show yet is missing out on one of the best times to be made! Levitt is such a huge thing to JJ’s. It is probably the most fun to be made with the JJ’s team.”

Tom’s take: “Brayden came to us by way of his mother, Carrie, our bar manager. Even as a dishwasher, he embraced his role and continues to embrace his roles as a bartender, server and retail clerk.”

The rest of the team

Many others also help JJ’s deliver outstanding food, beverage and event experiences.

“Jean and I do not do what we do without our key players. But we also don’t do what we do without a great group of part-time team members and event staff,” Slattery said.

They include:

• Cara Uken – charcutier and The Boozy Bakery, six years in various roles. Tom’s take: “Cara is one our longest tenured part-time employees but currently serves a crucial role as our lead charcutier, creating beautiful arrangements for our catered events.”
• Marli Ball – JJ’s Bar, events, six years. Tom’s take: “Marli is an exceptional mixologist but excels more as a full-time teacher. We don’t get her a whole lot during the school year but take what we can get.”
• Anne and Sarah (The Sisters) Thimsen – Levitt and Augustana events, four years. Tom’s take: “Anne and Sarah are the omnipresent backbone of our Augustana and Levitt concessions. This dynamic duo has shaped our service protocol pertaining to our concessions program and are just genuinely fun to have around.”
• Kaylee Haneklaus – sous chef, three years. Tom’s take: “Kayley joined our culinary team about three years ago and has a passion for food, assisting Chef Kaleb to curate the dishes we serve in JJ’s Bar and catered events.”
• Brittany (Canfield) Wagner – retail support, three years.
• Jessica Bultema – retail support, two years.
• Annie Wampler – JJ’s Bar, two years.
• Bailey (Franzen) Thayer – JJ’s Bar, Levitt and Augustana, four years.
• Dani Dement – JJ’s Bar, events, Levitt and Augustana, six years.
• Danielle Martin – Events, Levitt and Augustana, three years.
• Trecia Jacobsen – Events, Levitt and Augustana, four years.

Find JJ’s Wine, Spirits & Cigars, along with JJ’s Bar, The Boozy Bakery and JJ’s Axes & Ales at Bridgeview Crossing, just west of the tunnel on 57th Street in south Sioux Falls. You also can find JJ’s at every Levitt concert this summer. And also at every Augustana University home hockey game, football game and most other sports on campus! Click here to learn more online.