Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexie Fonseca.
Hi Alexie, We are so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey has been entirely unexpected, and I’m happy to share it with you! Initially, I was in commercial real estate without any prior intention or formal education. Circumstances led me to forego college as I became a parent at a young age, juggling multiple jobs to make ends meet. Despite lacking formal training, I found myself at Unicorp in 2008, starting as a marketing assistant. Self-taught in tools like Photoshop through online resources, I embraced the company’s “sink or swim” mentality, learning and adapting rapidly. Within a year, I transitioned to the role of Executive Assistant, seizing the opportunity for growth. Over 12.5 years, I immersed myself in various departments, eventually realizing my passion for real estate. After obtaining my license, I joined the leasing team, a pivotal move that led to my role as Director of Leasing over the following years. Simultaneously, fueled by a desire for entrepreneurship, I invested in Grape & The Grain Wine Bar with my family. Despite the challenges, our venture flourished, and we are renowned for our Orlando House Parties and inclusive atmosphere. In 2020, I made a career-altering decision and joined Colliers International to create a team focused on ground-up development and shopping center leasing. Our vision for Winter Park Village’s redevelopment captivated the Landlord, and we attracted esteemed brands like Tommy Bahama and Kendra Scott. Inspired by this success, I proposed opening Flutes Champagne Bar, a luxurious French-themed establishment, to be housed within Winter Park Village. After meticulously writing the business plan for 8 months, I presented the concept to the Landlord; the vision became a reality. Today, Flutes is Florida’s first Champagne Bar, a testament to perseverance and vision. Looking ahead, I’m grateful for the journey thus far, and I’m excited for the opportunities that lie ahead, both in real estate and entrepreneurship. Cheers to the future!
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Navigating the real estate industry is no stroll in the park. If it were, everyone would be doing it. Especially at the outset, I faced the challenge of learning on the job while competing against seasoned professionals. Despite lacking conventional experience or formal education, I’ve carved out a niche in this competitive arena. Now, it’s about balancing client expectations and navigating the myriad hurdles that come with each ground-up development project—whether it’s appeasing local authorities or addressing concerns from neighbors. Fortunately, I thrive on the challenge and find immense satisfaction in shaping the growth of our city. Collaborating with the community to understand their needs is key, allowing me to tailor my approach to meet their expectations and my client’s goals within budget constraints. As for the bars, each day brings its own set of trials. From curating the right atmosphere with local musicians and artists to maintaining the integrity of our brand, we’re constantly juggling various elements to ensure we stay true to our vision. While it’s not always smooth sailing, our passion for our establishments drives us to overcome any obstacles that come our way.
I appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Grape & The Grain Wine Bar?
We first opened our doors on May 11, 2018, and the response was nothing short of overwhelming. We are family-owned and operated, and we fully understand the importance of community. Because of that, we could not be more grateful to be a part of both the Mills 50 and Ivanhoe Village neighborhoods. In addition to beer and wine, we serve frozen rosé, frozen sangria, and cheese and charcuterie boards.
We host food trucks in the garden on Friday & Saturday nights and live entertainment. We host a regular trivia night on Wednesdays and have standup comedy once per month, which typically sells out. Our laid-back atmosphere and 3,000 sf outdoor patio are perfect for meeting your friends to engage in sparkling conversations as you unwind, sip, and savor. We’re well known for hosting the Orlando House Party, an inclusive live music event with rotating DJs and vendors. We also host a rotating art gallery featuring local artists inside.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
The bar industry has experienced a decline in revenue, primarily attributed to shifting preferences among millennials and Gen Z, who consume less alcohol. As bar owners, we must adapt to this trend by diversifying our offerings with mocktails and other non-alcoholic beverages to ensure inclusivity for all patrons.
In commercial real estate, there’s a notable shift toward “social retail” within shopping centers. Retailers are facing the challenge of redefining themselves to offer products and engaging experiences. With the convenience of online shopping, the appeal of traditional brick-and-mortar stores diminishes unless there’s an added social element. Humans are inherently social beings, craving interaction and shared experiences. Therefore, shopping center developers must create spaces that foster community and offer social opportunities, such as green areas, enticing dining options, and entertainment venues alongside essential retail stores. Achieving the right balance of experiential retail is crucial for the success of any project, and this trend is poised to endure in the foreseeable future.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.grapeandthegrain.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexiefonseca_cre/
- Facebook: https://www.fluteschampagnebar.com/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexie-fonseca/
- Other: https://www.colliers.com/en/experts/alexie-fonseca
Image Credits
Hector Negron – Loops Media Group
