It was a cold, rainy, wintry day that December 31st, 1976. Friday we believe. The small store at 209 El Camino Real , Millbrae changed names that day from Ernie’s Wines and Liquors to K&L Liquors (we thank you very much dear friend Ernie VanAsperan).
And the rest is history! We started as a “bomber” liquor store (meaning we sold products at prices less than the so-called “Fair Trade” prices of the day, and you had to have a K&L card signed by a staff member to buy alcoholic products). The favored drink of that era was Ancient Age mixed with Lejon Vermouth (i.e. a Manhattan).
Now the business is quite a bit different, but we still try to serve our wonderful customers the same way. If it wasn’t for all of you, we would not be here today! And we thank you for that, hope we can go another 30 years. Let’s toast together ... with a Manhattan, of course!
—Clyde Beffa Jr and Todd Zucker