Friends of Tabletop: Meet Russ Broome from BottleMixx
Friends of Tabletop is a place where we share who we love working with. This can range from a client, influencer/blogger, or special someone who simply means a lot to the Tabletop Team. Colleagues and friends who we’ve met throughout our journey with Tabletop Media Group make us a part of who we are.
For our April Friends of Tabletop, meet Russ Broome from BottleMixx!
Tell us about BottleMixx and your position there.
BottleMixx is almost 10 years old and I am the new owner as of last summer. We strive to be the best bottle shop and bar in North Raleigh. We have hundreds of SKUs of both finely curated craft beer and fine wine you’re typically not going to find in grocery stores. We also have 12 beers on draught and 6 wines by the glass every day.
What's your favorite thing about owning BottleMixx?
First and foremost, I get to take my co-owner, Sylver to work every day. But also, after 27 years in the same plastics manufacturing industry, it is a much happier place to apply my business development skills. If customers aren’t in a good mood when they arrive, they certainly are when they leave.
What's your bar order?
If there is a top shelf bourbon I haven’t had, I’ll take a double with a large ice ball. If all else fails, I’ll have a smoked old fashion!
Do you have a favorite story about how you got to where you are in your career, or a fun story from working at BottleMixx?
So when I started getting my arms around things at The Mixx, I was pretty quick to say that I didn’t like IPAs as I had not learned how vast the spectrum was on that style. Now, after some education from my staff, while I can’t say I like all IPAs, there are some of my new favorite beers hanging out on that IPA wall of ours!
What's your favorite dish to eat?
Sushi
What is your least favorite food?
Cerviche (there’s a great story why…)
What's your favorite thing to do in Raleigh?
Anything NC State related!
What's your favorite local business to support?
Relish. Great location, cool outdoor environment, and some of the best southern casual food in town!
What's the most useful lesson you've learned from being in your role?
Take care of your people and listen to the customer and everything else will fall into place. Also, don’t be afraid to fire a customer.
Who impacted you the most in your career?
I had a career mentor most of my previous career and finally was able to go to work for him but he passed away a year later and that organization will never be the same – so glad to be at The Mixx now!