After three decades in business, the owner of a local liquor store retired last week.
Abiy Hailu opened Abiy's International Wine, 3702 W. Truman Blvd., 30 years ago.
A native of Ethiopia, Hailu sold the business last week and plans to take his first vacation in 12 years.
He finalized the sale of Abiy's International Wines on Wednesday. Despite selling the store, Hailu plans to stay on until the end of the year as a consultant about 20 hours per week. Hailu hopes to help the new owners get their feet wet and said they have more resources to get more types of wines than he ever did.
At age 65, Hailu felt the weight of the decision to sell the store but said he can't find anyone to help him run it. Hailu said he will miss the work because he loved helping customers pick the perfect wine.
"I loved what I'm doing," Hailu said. "Every wine has its own character. I've spent more time here than my home."
Hailu emigrated to the United States in 1972, attending American University in Washington, D.C. He arrived in Mid-Missouri in 1973 when he transferred to the University of Missouri.
He earned a master's degrees in history and political science but found his calling when he worked for a wine store in Jefferson City.
Since he opened the store in 1998, many of Jefferson City's elites have stopped by the store. Hailu said former Gov. Jay Nixon and other state legislators loved popping in.
Aiby's International sells wines, scotch and craft beer from across the world. The most expensive wine sells for $256 per bottle, and the most expensive Scotch for $279 per bottle. Consumers don't need to spend that much to find a good wine, though.
"You can get a good red wine from $9-$10 per bottle," Hailu said.
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