Once again, the Markho family-owned and operated Marino’s Beverage Depot is ready for the holiday season. “We want to help make the holidays less stressful for all of our customers, both regular and new, by providing a one-stop shopping destination for their beverage needs,” said Marian Markho. “We offer a large selection of beer, wine, liquor and all the essentials for holiday entertaining.” Markho and her four sons Mario, Milano, Morgan, and Marino, have stocked their business, located at 5829 Monroe St., with holiday supplies and gifts.
In addition to beverages, shoppers can find everything needed to outfit their bar for the season including a wide range of mixers, rim toppers, juices, carbonated drinks, glassware and accessories.
Marino’s is also the place to find a wide range of presents.“We have gifts at all price points. There are several varieties of wine under $20, and we have many other gifts with a higher price tag,” explained Markho. Those include limited edition sets of commemorative glassware in varieties such as Woodford Reserve, Grey Goose and Crown Royal. “We also have a selection of barware, cocktail shakers, shot glasses, bottle openers, and playing cards,” Markho stated. “Our large selection of mini liquor bottles, festive sets of minis such as 10 Fireball bottles wrapped in a candy cane-shaped package, Absolut vodka samplers, and the small Bailey’s Irish Cream bottles in assorted flavors make for perfect stocking stuffers. We have rim salts that are a fun add-on to a favorite liquor in flavors such as a pickle or lime.”
For the beer lover, include a container of Christmas Crackle Holiday Ale Topper for fun. “Whoever you are shopping for, we can help you pick out the perfect beverage or beverage-related gift,” Markho said. “And we are always happy to help every shopper with his or her selection.”
No stranger to the business world, Markho began working with her husband, Eli, at his diner in Maumee when they were first married after she immigrated to America in 1997. She quickly learned to juggle work, a husband, babies, and running a household. Along with being a young working wife and mother, she had left her family and a familiar way of life to come to a new country where she had to learn a new language and new customs.
In 2004, the couple had the opportunity to acquire a Sylvania liquor license from the Main Street Sterling Store and they opened Marino’s Beverage Depot in the adjacent building (now home to Art Supply Depo) with a very small inventory. As business expanded, the Markhos moved to the current location in the Sylvania Country Square Shopping Center.
“When they first opened the Beverage Depot, my dad’s charm and entrepreneurial spirit took over. He began developing relationships with local restaurants, launching our wholesale business. He was the first in the business to deliver to restaurant customers. We all learned so much from him, especially how to connect with people, by just watching him,” Milano Markho, store manager, explained. “When he passed away four years ago, our mother took over the business and continued to build those relationships. We have grown to be one of the two top liquor stores in the state.”
In addition to the Markho family, there are eight people who have been on staff for years, all of whom are very knowledgeable and friendly. “We think of them as part of our family,” Marian Markho said. “We all work well and have fun together. And our customers are also friendly and many are almost like family.”
Marino’s Beverage Depot is open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 9 pm and Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm.