Rights to Downtown Redmond Liquor Store Auctioned for $281,660

The Washington State Liquor Control Board announced earlier this week it has successfully auctioned the rights to apply for a spirits retail liquor license at 167 state-run liquor stores around the state.

Individual bids totaled $30.75 million, with rights awarded to 121 successful bidders. The liquor control board said online bidding "ended in a flurry" last Friday, the final day of the auction.

The rights to the downtown Redmond liquor store, located at 16389 Redmond Way, were purchased for $281,660 by Jeffrey Roh, who used a Milton mailing address in the auction. Roh was also the successful bidder for two other liquor stores in Mukilteo and Issaquah, according to state records.

As , the building that houses the downtown Redmond liquor store is a historic landmark that was constructed in 1920. This designation means the owner must obtain approval from the city's technical committee before making any significant changes to the building's exterior, but the restrictions do not extend to the building's interior.

The Redmond Ridge liquor store, meanwhile, is a contract location and has been approved for the state's new retail spirits license, according to state records.

In an email to Redmond Patch, Roh said he is a seven-year resident of the Redmond/Sammamish area and plans to continue operating the space as a liquor store under the new name Premium Wine & Spirits.

"Along with my brother, Michael, and my wife, Grace, we intend to provide the residents of Redmond and the Eastside with the highest level of customer service and brand selection that will not likely be available at the larger, big box stores and outlets," Roh said. "Incidentally, all of us are local residents and believe wholeheartedly in supporting our local community and businesses. We would also like to place a special focus on supporting local, made-in-Washington brands, and feel committed to supporting the efforts of local wineries and distilleries in our region." 

Roh said he and his family will be conducting employee interviews next month and will "absolutely" consider hiring those that already work at the store.

"If at all possible, we would like to retain all of the employees that are good," he said, adding he is aiming for a "seamless transition" with the store in June.  

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Editor's note: This story was updated at 6 p.m. to include comments from Mr. Roh.