From "0% Chance" to Business of the Year: The Power of The Good Pour Standard
In the world of franchising, you often hear about "proven models." But at The Good Pour, we talk about something deeper: The Standard.
Recently, that standard was put to the ultimate test — and the results were historic. Just six months after opening its doors, our Winter Park marketplace was named Business of the Year 2025 by the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce.
For most, this is a celebration of a successful new business. For our franchise family, it’s proof that a brand built on purpose can rewrite the rules of an entire industry.
Rewriting the Narrative
When co-founders Ray and Giuliana Horal first envisioned The Good Pour, they knew Winter Park was the perfect home. It’s a city that mirrors our values: community-focused, cultured, and driven by independent spirit. However, the initial reception was anything but warm.
"Four years ago, we were told there was a 0% chance a liquor store would ever open in Winter Park," Ray shared. "That it didn’t belong... No encouragement. No roadmap. Just a hard no."
Fast forward to today, and the very Chamber that represents the city’s business heart has named The Good Pour its top business. It is a wild, full-circle moment that proves what happens when you refuse to take shortcuts.
What This Means for Our Partners
This win wasn't a stroke of luck — it was the result of a relentless commitment to being "worthy of approval." For a prospective franchisee, the Winter Park story offers three vital lessons:
Credibility is Earned, Not Claimed: We don’t just open shops, we elevate neighborhoods. By integrating philanthropy into every "sip and swipe," we transform a retail category into a beloved community asset.
The Power of Local Leadership: This trophy belongs to the leaders on the ground — Vassilis and Katerina Coumbaros. As independent owners, they protected the brand relentlessly, proving that when local passion meets a purposeful mission, the community responds.
A Rising Tide Lifts All Ships: Every time a location earns this level of prestige, it strengthens the brand for every partner. It reinforces that our approach is different—and that difference compounds.
The Story is Just Beginning
We’ve been fortunate to see this kind of recognition across multiple markets, proving that our signature “retail with heart" is exactly what the modern consumer — and the modern city — is looking for.
As Ray puts it:
"‘No’ doesn’t always mean never. First impressions can be rewritten. If you’re willing to stay patient, protect the standard, and keep showing up — even after being told there’s a 0% chance — the story isn’t finished yet."
Are you ready to bring a "Business of the Year" mindset to your community? We’re looking for partners who don’t just want to run a marketplace, but want to build something their neighbors are proud to have in their own backyard.