MGM Wine & Spirits: A Legacy of Excellence in Beverage Retail

Founded in 1970, MGM Wine & Spirits has established itself as a premier retailer of wines, beers, and spirits. Headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota, the company began franchising in 1977, steadily expanding its footprint across the state with a model focused on strong community connections and consistent service.

MGM Wine & Spirits offers a wide selection of alcoholic beverages, catering to a broad range of customer preferences. The franchise emphasizes a neighborhood store experience, prioritizing personalized service and a curated product assortment. This commitment to tailored recommendations and local engagement sets it apart from larger, more impersonal retail chains.

With over five decades of experience, MGM Wine & Spirits has built a strong brand rooted in quality, service, and community trust. Its proven business model, consistent customer satisfaction, and steady growth make it a reliable and appealing option for entrepreneurs seeking a franchise in the beverage retail sector.

Training

MGM Wine & Spirits provides several structured training programs for franchisees to ensure the successful operation of their stores. These include:

1. Initial Training Program: Before opening a franchised store, the franchisor provides a two-week program that combines classroom and in-store training. This training is mandatory for the franchisee or their designated manager and must be completed satisfactorily. While the program itself is free, the franchisee is responsible for any travel and living expenses. The training may take place at a location chosen by the franchisor within the U.S.
2. Pre-Opening Training: Conducted approximately 30 to 90 days before the store opens, this training includes both company-owned and in-store sessions. It is also required that both the franchisee and any designated manager complete it. Manuals are used as the primary instructional materials. This training is periodically repeated throughout the year to align with the opening schedules of new franchised stores.
3. Refresher and Remedial Training: If a franchisee fails to maintain operational standards, the franchisor reserves the right to send trainers to provide additional support. Costs associated with this remedial training, including travel and wages of the trainers, are the responsibility of the franchisee.
4. Ongoing Use of Franchisee Store for Training: The franchisor may occasionally use a franchisee's store as a training site for its employees or other franchisees. This is done at the discretion of the franchisor.

Territory Protection

MGM Wine & Spirits provides limited territory protection to its franchisees. Each franchise is granted a one-mile designated area where no other MGM Wine & Spirits store will be opened or franchised. This area is defined from the store’s front entrance by the shortest automobile route.

However, the franchisor may operate or license similar businesses outside this territory, even if they compete for the same customers. The protection ends if the store relocates or closes, unless a new territory agreement is signed. Thus, the territorial rights are specific, fixed, and conditional.