Today we’d like to introduce you to Dan Lepore.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Dan. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My partner, Darrald Mitchell and I met 15 years ago while working together in management for Walgreens pharmacy in Framingham, MA. After years of working for someone else, we decided to explore what opportunities there might be to go into business for ourselves. We had lots of ideas but came to realize that our strongest skills were in retail and sales. Darrald has a lot of sales and retail experience and worked in a package store many years ago. I also have many years of retail and restaurant management experience, so the switch to run our store made the most sense. After a little more than a year of looking in the market for an available liquor license in the town were our concept of a boutique fine wine, craft beer, and spirits store we found our opportunity in Westborough.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I would say the toughest part was securing financing from the bank. We were working with a business advisor who helped us put our business plan and loan proposal together. Even with her help it still took about 9 months to close the deal.
Please tell us about Westborough Cork & Grain.
We carrying fine wine, craft beer, popular beer, craft spirits, food and retail merchandise. We have an extensive wine and craft beer selection driven by customer demand. We also carry a range of unique cheeses and another food pairing such as meats, nuts, and fine chocolates.
We have space has been dedicated to an upscale, Sonoma wine country inspired, tasting bar area for you to sample select products before purchasing.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
That is a tough question, I would have to say camping in general, we went camping every year. I loved being outside and in the woods.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2 West Main Street
Westborough Ma 01581 - Website: corkandgrain.com
- Phone: 508-329-1571
- Email: danlepore@corkandgrain.com
- Instagram: corkandgrain
- Facebook: corkandgrain
- Twitter: corkandgrain
- Yelp: corkandgrain
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