Premium liquor and spirit distributor Bottle Dojo is opening a new specialty liquor and retail market in Sherman Oaks, located at 14054 W. Ventura Blvd.
The new 965 square-foot market will replace Right Choice Pharmacy at some point in 2022. This will be the first brick-and-mortar for the company, owned by Pablo Moix, Salvatore Aurora, and Mario Guddemi. There will be a tasting service in the rear of the market, which will serve as an integral portion of the establishment. Bottle Dojo will be open from 8 am to midnight daily, while the tasting area will open from 10 am to 9 pm.
The e-commerce company specializes in premium, rare, and hard-to-source liquor and spirits through a monthly membership. Non-members have a smaller selection to choose from. The market will likely have special offers for members once it opens. The trio of owners has spent a career dedicated to sourcing the ultimate ingredients, labels, and tastes.
There’s decades-worth of cocktail and restaurant experience between the three owners. Aurora and his cousin Guddemi have been behind some of the area’s favorite concepts, including Scopa Italian Roots, Old Lightning, The Local Peasant, The Chestnut Club, DAMA, and Black Market Liquor Bar with Chef Antonia Lofaso. Moix, with nearly 30 years of experience, curates the cocktail and spirits programs for many of the restaurants above. Several concepts associated with these three have seen massive success with notable mentions in the 2019 California Michelin Guide, James Beard Foundation, and more.
“The concept of the market will be a high-end liquor store offering specialty and international products in association with the owner’s other full-service dining establishments located nearby,” according to a case filing for the establishment submitted to the City of Los Angeles. “This will be similar in function to many Trader Joe’s, BevMos, and other specialty retail stores which offer in-store tastings of a range of alcohol products.”
