By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
Jeff and Melissa Dewey of Hays are the new owners of Doghouse Liquor of Hays, formerly Steinert Liquor, 2522 Vine.
The couple assumed ownership of the business June 13.
The store caries a variety of liquors, beers and wines, from top shelf to less expensive choices.
They have kept most of the same staff and plan to continue with much of the same merchandise and operations as the former owners, including the store's discounts.
"We're all a little family," Melissa Dewey said of the staff. "We couldn't do it without them. They're outstanding."
Fort Hays State University students and staff as well as members of the military receive an everyday 10 percent discount. The store also offers a loyalty program. For every dollar you spend, you receive a point. After you receive 100 points, you receive a 10 percent discount.
Discounts are also offered on bulk orders for events. The store offers a planning service to help customers planning for weddings or other events. They estimate how much alcohol and what types of alcohol customers will need. The planning service is offered free, Melissa Dewey said.
The Deweys already own a real estate business.
"We're just looking to integrate into the community more and meet more people and saw the opportunity there," Jeff Dewey said. "We thought it looked like a fun business to be in."
Melissa Dewey said the couple thought Doghouse was a fun name for the store.
"We work together in real estate and this, and we set out every morning to have fun," Jeff Dewey said. "When you work together and live together, if you don't have the goal to have fun at what you do, it can be a long day. That is the basis of who we are and what we do day in and day out."
Jeff Dewey said as business owners, the couple is constantly looking for what customers want and seeking new products to introduce to the store.
The couple added two new coolers in the store so customers can pick up chilled wine.
If you are buying wine or other products as gifts, the store offers gift bags, as well as gift cards.
Melissa Dewey said customer service is everything to she and Jeff.
"It's very important to us that our staff interact with people when they come in a helpful and positive way," Jeff Dewey said.
The store follows hours set by city ordinance — 9 a.m. t0 11 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays.