2024 Reader’s Choice: Black Rose Liquor Store is proof that customer service counts

Published 11:00 am Saturday, February 24, 2024

There’s a vibe you feel upon walking through the door at Black Rose Liquor Store; like walking into someplace familiar, someplace welcoming.

It’s no surprise, in fact it’s by design. Owners Keith and Kirin Johns want their liquor store to stand out by reflecting a sense of community that is best described by their business motto: “Home of the best friends you never knew you had.”

The first things you notice are the cleanliness and bright atmosphere, the upbeat music and the friendly greetings to everyone stepping through the door.

“Our customer service is what sets us apart,” Keith said.

Black Rose Liquor Store, 4241 S.E. 182nd Ave., Gresham (in the Powell Vista Center), was chosen as the winner in the Best Liquor Store category of the 2024 Reader’s Choice Awards, as decided by the readers of The Outlook and Sandy Post.

“I want to say thank you from the bottom of our hearts for voting for us,” Keith said of winning the category in Reader’s Choice.

Taking its name from a convenience store previously owned by the couple, Black Rose Market, the liquor store has adopted the same branding.

The liquor store opened on July 26, 2002, and quickly attracted a dedicated clientele. The store has 10 employees.

Asked about one of the most interesting spirits in the store, Keith quickly settled on El Cristiano tequila. He grew to adopt an admiration for the brand after getting to know its maker. Keith said the El Cristiano distillery is 100% staffed by women who all earn a higher than living wage, and a portion of sales of the tequila are donated to an orphanage in Arandas, Mexico.

Black Rose Liquor Store

4241 S.E. 182nd Ave., Gresham

9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays

503-328-6171