NEW TIMES: What inspired you to open an olive-oil store?
RUSSELL: “Well, for the most part it was the healthy lifestyle, the food of the Mediterranean diet. It’s quick, easy, delicious and healthful.”
NEW TIMES: From where do you acquire the majority of your merchandise?
RUSSELL: Actually, 85 percent of it is from artisans in this area, because wherever you grow great wine you also grow great olives and great olive oil.”
NEW TIMES: Describe your main clientele.
RUSSELL: A description? It’s probably the 40-to-50-year-old ladies, but I think I get a lot of college students stopping in.”
NEW TIMES: What is your personal favorite product, or your best selling product?
RUSSELL: Well, our biggest seller is our house balsamic vinegar. People just aren’t used to an actual Italian balsamic. But you’re going to get used to it [offering a sample]. You can just sip that! Mix it with olive oil and it’s great to dip bread in.”
This article appears in Aug 21-28, 2008.
