What sparked your interest in opening your Williamsburg wine bar, With Others?
I can’t really attribute it to one moment. It has been something I've always dreamed of doing and also something I never thought I would actually do. It took several years to transition from my previous startup tech job to where I am today. I got a job at a wine bar and restaurant in Clinton Hill in 2022, and I loved working service, which solidified my feeling that this is something I should try. I knew it would be a lot of work, but I told myself if I found the right location, I have to go for it. I wanted to open up a place in my neighborhood of South Williamsburg, and had put 4 offers in before I found the location we are at today. This one was going to be my last one, and if it fell through, I was going to give up. Luckily it didn’t, and it ended up being the perfect space!
I can’t recall a particular moment or experience that set it off, but I’ve always loved to host, and I grew up in a family where my mom and grandma would often host huge parties with hundreds of guests, which I always loved helping and being a part of. I also love going to new restaurants and bars. In the back of my mind I always thought I wanted to open up my own place, and I reached a point in my career and life where I had the confidence and skill set to pursue it, and I mustered up the courage to just go for it and give it my all. I’m learning a lot along the way too. It’s still very surreal that I actually did it. The entire process was so difficult and I’ve never been more challenged or worked as hard as I am now. But it is really fulfilling and I do get the sense that this was something I was meant to create.
Tell us about how you find new wines for your bar!
I taste a lot of wine and have a handful of wonderful distributors that know the styles of wine I like. These distributors specifically showcase new producers and wines that come in, leading to the wine bar's changing menu.
What’s your favorite part about the New York small business owner community?
The overwhelming majority of business owners and people in the industry are so warm and friendly. I relied a lot on other business owners for advice and referrals when I was starting to build my business plan, and again during the build out period. I called up everyone, people I hardly knew, and everyone was so generous with their time, advice, and rolodex.
What is your most frequented bar or restaurant in the city (other than With Others)?
I love going to Layla and Marlow & Sons. It’s the best vibes always. True neighborhood spots.
Do you have a favorite new wine right now?
I’m newly obsessed with wine from Japan, from the producer Les Vins Vivants, Kigou Nagano Red 2022. I’ve tried a few of their wines and they're mindblowing, and are so distinct from any other wines I’ve had. So light, delicate, yet impactful. Lychee fruit on the nose and grape jelly. Tastes like watermelons, starfruit. The perfect summer chilled red!
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