March 27, 2023

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

Maybe you’re hosting a corporate gathering.

Or entertaining a group in your home.

Maybe your nonprofit is organizing a critical fundraiser.

Or you’re ready to celebrate a milestone in your business.

Whatever the occasion, your event likely is going to involve beverages.

“Many people have discovered over the years that working with us to provide beverage service at an event delivers multiple benefits,” said Tom Slattery, JJ’s Wine, Spirits & Cigars owner.

“Think about the experience you receive in the store as an adult-beverage customer or guest at JJ’s Bar, and multiply that because that’s what happens when we provide a seamless approach for you as a host and a fantastic experience for your guests.”

Loghin Welch has experienced that many times over. The owner of Serendipitous Events, she has worked with JJ’s beverage service for multiple corporate and private events.

“I’ve done everything from weddings with them to multiple private parties in homes across Sioux Falls,” she said. “I’ve worked with them at venues from the Sanford Barn to 5 Oaks to within a tent.”

Each time, “I have always had a wonderful experience from start to finish,” she said. “The team at JJ’s is very knowledgeable about the beverage industry. Prior to the event, they are great at assisting their clients with alcohol ordering and quantities, and creating a customizable drink menu.”

At the event, “the staff is friendly, professional and always willing to help,” Welch said. “They put pride into their work, and the service is first-rate, whether it’s a small event for 20 or a large corporate one with more than 500 guests.”

For Dr. Tom Stys, the JJ’s roadshow literally comes into his home several times each year as he hosts events for as many as 150 people.

“JJ’s makes it so easy for me,” Stys said. “Tom knows me quite well and knows my wife’s tastes, from beer through wine to cocktails, and anymore we just let him come up with suggestions and decide what to serve, and we’ve never been disappointed. I love wines, so Tom has supplied me with wines and filled up my cellar, and he’s always had an awesome selection, and at the same time the prices are very acceptable.”

JJ’s has supported everything from family gatherings to employee appreciation events at the Stys household.

“Too often, people are just so busy and have so much on their plate that communication is cumbersome, and responsiveness is delayed, and that’s the biggest obstacle to working with someone. Tom is very accessible, very responsive, takes over the planning and makes everything so easy that it’s just an attractive solution for anyone’s events,” Stys said.

“His staff is always pleasant and accommodating. When we host, they use our bar and accommodate to the size of the party and come up with suggestions. They set everything up and serve, and when the party’s over, everything is done and nice and clean like nothing happened. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that.”

That same service is delivered at Augustana University, athletic director Josh Morton said.

Following many years of using JJ’s for service in its football suites and at the annual athletics auction, “when we made the decision to add a beer garden at Augustana football games, JJ’s was a natural partner for us,” he said.

“Our experience has been great, and Tom and his team will always find a way and have helped us think of new ways to engage our fans. The staff is professional, friendly and makes things easy for us,” Morton said. “I recommend JJ’s for their professionalism, level of service and quality.”

For a nonprofit, events are especially critical.

“When I first met Tom, it was truly a walk in out of the blue to ask for a donation,” said Sandy Lown, executive director of the Teddy Bear Den, which supports pregnant women in need.

“Once I explained to him all that we do at the Teddy Bear Den, he jumped in with both feet, helping us to raise funds through new fundraising ideas.”

JJ’s has provided support for the nonprofit’s Annual Night Out fundraiser for years and even stepped up when the event couldn’t be held during the pandemic, she said.

“Tom didn’t hesitate to allow us to host our Annual Night Out as a virtual event right from his location. He even provided us with the idea of drink kits and charcuterie boards to sell to our audience that evening to share the ‘how to make drinks’ sessions during our auction. Our event that year was fantastic due to all of the time and energy JJ’s put into making it a success. Tom realized how critical our event was to our funding that year.”

Serving your event

If your event is in the city limits, JJ’s can set up a bar there for you.

“We can set up a bar anytime and anywhere within Sioux Falls,” Slattery said.

If you already have a venue selected, ask if it allows outside beverages, he suggests.

“There are a number of venues in Sioux Falls that love when JJs is on the job because they know things will be handled,” he said.

JJ’s beverage service has worked at venues including 5 Oaks, the Levitt Shell, the Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum, the Museum of Visual Materials and the Old Courthouse Museum, just to name a few.

“And if you’re looking for an event space, we can potentially help out there too,” Slattery added. “JJ’s has options, including our event room, Axes & Ales, JJs Bar or even a tent in our parking lot that will accommodate up to 300 people.”

Have a charity that needs help fundraising?

“Adult-beverage sales are an easy fit for that,” Slattery said. “Talk to us about how you can increase giving for your nonprofit and make sure everyone has a great experience at the same time.”

From there, prepare to love the beverage service that the JJ’s team delivers.

“I would recommend Tom and his team to anyone in need of beverage services for any style of event,” Welch said. “They are very helpful with knowing the alcohol laws in Sioux Falls to guide you in any situation. From the very beginning, you will receive a personalized experience to best fit your needs. The staff is always friendly and will leave their working space nice and tidy when the event is completed.”

Lown agreed.

“If anyone was considering getting involved with JJ’s and their fantastic employees, I would tell them not to hesitate,” she said. “They are there to help you succeed. And when it comes to being involved in the Sioux Falls community and the nonprofit sector, the Slatterys are hands-on. They have realized the importance of making Sioux Falls a better place to live and supporting those around you. This is why it’s so important to do business locally!”

Ready to plan the beverage service for your next event? Email [email protected].