VOM FASS plans to open Winter Garden location

WINTER GARDEN — “Vom fass” is translated from German to English as “from the cask,” and a new specialty shop coming to the Winter Garden Village at Fowler Groves will sell its goods exactly that way. Oils, vinegars, wines and spirits are stored in barrels, cask pyramids, glass balloons and vinegar and oil crocks — ready to be sampled or purchased.

The upscale foodie retailer, VOM FASS, will be owned by entrepreneurs Charlie and Karen O’Brien, who expect to open the store in late August. It will be located next to the First Watch restaurant.

“We believe VOM FASS truly embodies its slogan of ‘look, taste, enjoy,’” Charlie O’Brien said. “Sharing such exquisite, heart-healthy products and high-end liquors with Orlando is something we are sincerely passionate about.”

It’s important to the company and the O’Briens to seek fresh, high-quality oils, vinegars, wines and spirits from small producers in Europe and the United States. VOM FASS sources its products from partners using natural processes and sustainable agriculture.

Spices and a few grocery items will be among the offerings.

To introduce customers to the rich flavors, the shop will hold tastings and pairings “to show people how to use the products,” O’Brien said. “We sell really fine products, and they’re all different. (We’ll demonstrate) how to combine them for salads and appetizers, how to make drinks with alcohol and without alcohol.”

O’Brien spent 25 years in retail as director of operations for an equestrian shop, so he was comfortable opening his own store. And because exercise and healthy eating are key to the O’Briens’ lifestyle, they wanted to share this knowledge with others. She is a certified registered nurse practitioner.

The couple moved their family — which includes a son in high school and two children in college — to Florida recently. They looked at shopping malls and centers all over Central Florida before deciding on the Winter Garden Village.

“It’s a beautiful shopping area, and it’s just a very classy, beautiful place,” O’Brien said. “It has a lot of traffic there, and I think it’s a great place for a business.”

The Winter Garden store will be open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. For more information, visit vomfassusa.com.

Other VOM FASS locations in Florida are in The Villages, Sarasota, Naples and Boca Raton.

Contact Amy Quesinberry Rhode at [email protected].