My first experience at KJ Baarons was surprisingly delightful!
I pulled into KJ Baarons parking lot (located in Washington Square, across from the train station in Worcester, Massachusetts--see map on right margin) and was greeted by a valet attendant. I had to look around to make sure that I was in the right place. I was not expecting to get the red carpet rolled out for me at a liquor store since all I needed was a bottle of wine for a house warming gift. It turns out this was not your average liquor store, but something very unique, especially for Worcester, Massachusetts.
As it turns out, I just happened to stumble upon one of KJ Baarons bi-monthly wine tasting events, which, by the way, attract 300 plus people from Worcester and surrounding communities. I walked into the store and was greeted by a host and handed a glass. "Feel free to taste all of the wines at each of the 15 tasting stations. There are also vodka and scotch tasting stations, a master mixologist is here from Boston making his new Spring-time inspired cocktail, as well as chocolate, cheese, beer cookies, and cupcakes to sample." Needless to say, I spent the next hour roaming around KJ Baarons drinking and eating. What a find!
Each person who works at KJ Baarons is an expert in his or her field. Some are knowledgeable on cheese, some wine, others with cordials, scotches, or cigars. It was nice to see that the staff had a real contribution and connection to the products instead of just being cashiers, as most liquor store attendants are as seen in my past experiences. I was also relieved that the staff, although friendly and knowledgeable, were never overbearing. There really is nothing worse than walking into a store and being chased down by someone who asks if they can assist you when the truth is they usually cannot, even if one did oblige.
KJ Baarons is exactly what Worcester, Massachusetts needed. It is the definition of a one-stop-shop. I went to KJ Baarons to get my friend a bottle of wine, yet I did better. Without any effort, I was able to personally design a gift basket (that included dried, aged meats, cheeses, fruit compotes, wine, foi gras pate', and gourmet crackers), taste multiple wines and foods, catch a small buzz, and have my car greet me at the front door when I was ready to leave.
I am pretty sure that I will not be shopping anywhere else in Worcester for these types of products and service, especially since there are no stores that exist like it in the area. Very unique!
View their website at: http://www.kjbaarons.com/default.html
View their website at: http://www.kjbaarons.com/default.html
