Specialty retailer vomFASS opens at Paseo Caribe
From left: EDB President Joey Cancel-Planas and vomFASS owner Anthony Meléndez.
Following an investment of $500,000, vomFASS — an international specialty retailer featuring a variety of oils, vinegars, wines and spirits — opened its doors at Paseo Caribe in San Juan.
During Thursday’s inauguration, Anthony Meléndez, the entrepreneur who introduced the concept into Puerto Rico, said the new store will serve “as a gathering place for local residents, visitors and the surrounding communities to uncover flavors that turn ordinary home-cooked meals and dinner parties into exceptional culinary creations.”
“It’s very satisfying to bring the vomFASS concept to Puerto Rico,” said Meléndez. “The San Juan community is drawn to exclusive gourmet products, and I’m confident the brand will succeed here to further meet the demand for luxury retail options.”
The 1,200 square-foot VomFASS store features a European-style tasting room where customers can sample any product “from the cask” — the English translation of vomFASS — before they buy. In addition to oils and vinegars, vomFASS specializes in liqueurs such as scotch, cognacs, whiskeys, brandies, Grappa and impeccable flavored liqueurs, among others.
Meléndez’s brings with him 27 years of professional background comprising multiple facets of business, including banking, marketing and insurance and serving as the president of a consulting company. For this venture, he sought the assistance of the Puerto Rico Economic Development Bank, which put up part of the initial investment, this media outlet confirmed.
“When Anthony approached me with the idea of establishing the first vomFASS in Puerto Rico, I sensed his commitment and passion with the project,” said EDB President Joey C. Cancel-Planas. “I’ve known Anthony for more than 10 years now. He brought to the table a set of strengths that were suitable for an arms-length transaction”
“I’m convinced that his drive will lead him to fulfill all objectives and become a successful entrepreneur. We’re proud to state that this new venture will be added to the list of more than 298 local businesses opened thru EDB’s financing since January 2013,” Cancel-Planas said.
The vomFASS concept has spread across Europe since its launch in Germany some20 years ago. Since then, almost 260 vomFASS franchise locations have opened worldwide. The new Puerto Rico store will generate a combined 16 direct and indirect jobs, this media outlet confirmed.
