Gays Hops-N-Schnapps

There are currently five Gays liquor stores, with locations in Fremont, Lagrange, Auburn and two in Angola. Cricket attributes Gays' continued success to what the family considers the recipe for good business - the ingredients are service, selection and everyday savings. Indeed, the family makes it clear that its first priority is its customers. Whether referring to the repeat seasonal customers, the everyday customers or the new faces in town, the family agrees that fair prices, good service and "doing what's right" is the way to handle its business.

"Because we're a family-owned business, we are all dedicated," Jeff says. "It's a family investment, and everyone is interested." Everyone, it seems, including the employees. Of the approximately 40 current employees, half have been with Gays for more than five years; some employees have stayed with the business for 20 years. Cricket admits that this kind of employee retention is unnatural, but has only one way to explain it: "We treat people fairly."

Indeed, Gays views its employees as an investment as well. A thorough training system is in place that ensures that the staff has knowledge of the products in the stores and can help customers pick out the perfect selection for any event from an outdoor barbecue to a wedding reception. This means that customers can ask advice on any of the 125 fine wines Gays keeps in stock, among the other products such as liquor and beer. Once the customer has made a selection, Gays' employees are happy to carry the purchase to the customer's car. It is a marriage of modern knowledge and old--fashioned service that seems to translate to success.

Sixty-five years ago, one man decided to make a change, buy a business and be his own boss. He founded his establishment on high standards, good morals and excellent service. It was a business that elicited dedication from customers, family and employees. It has been a legacy for the generations that have followed him and those that are yet to come. Gays operates on the same foundations today, and would doubtlessly make Perry proud.


			There are currently five Gays liquor stores, with locations in Fremont, Lagrange, Auburn and two in Angola. Cricket attributes Gays' continued success to what the family considers the recipe for good business - the ingredients are service, selection and everyday savings. Indeed, the family makes it clear that its first priority is its customers. Whether referring to the repeat seasonal customers, the everyday customers or the new faces in town, the family agrees that fair prices, good service and "doing what's right" is the way to handle its business. "Because we're a family-owned business, we are all dedicated," Jeff says. "It's a family investment, and everyone is interested." Everyone, it seems, including the employees. Of the approximately 40 current employees, half have been with Gays for more than five years; some employees have stayed with the business for 20 years. Cricket admits that this kind of employee retention is unnatural, but has only one way to explain it: "We treat people fairly." Indeed, Gays views its employees as an investment as well. A thorough training system is in place that ensures that the staff has knowledge of the products in the stores and can help customers pick out the perfect selection for any event from an outdoor barbecue to a wedding reception. This means that customers can ask advice on any of the 125 fine wines Gays keeps in stock, among the other products such as liquor and beer. Once the customer has made a selection, Gays' employees are happy to carry the purchase to the customer's car. It is a marriage of modern knowledge and old--fashioned service that seems to translate to success. Sixty-five years ago, one man decided to make a change, buy a business and be his own boss. He founded his establishment on high standards, good morals and excellent service. It was a business that elicited dedication from customers, family and employees. It has been a legacy for the generations that have followed him and those that are yet to come. Gays operates on the same foundations today, and would doubtlessly make Perry proud.
	The Gays family of liquor stores has long been a favorite stop at some of northeast Indiana's most popular lakes. In 1939, Perry Gay decided to make the transition from bread truck delivery driver to grocery store owner. After all the years he spent in grocery stores, he had gleaned the knowledge he believed he needed to create a successful business. When one of his delivery locations went up for sale, Perry made his move. Now, 65 years later, the legacy he started lives on through the current generations of his family. After years with grocery and liquor stores in the Angola and Fremont areas, today the business consists solely of a chain of liquor stores run by Jeff, Tony and Brad "Cricket" Gay. Though the business's legacy has been passed on through generations in the family, there is one thing that remains the same as the day Perry Gay headed the business - the exceptional standards the family maintains in running their operation.