German entrepreneur Michael Probst, president and founder of Cork&Olive, often visited America on business. On every visit, he searched for good bottles of wine in local restaurants and specialty wine shops with out much success. With thousands of labels to choose from and high price tags, Probst found it nearly impossible to choose wine without trying it first. That service simply wasn't offered anywhere. The idea for Cork&Olive was conceived. Behind that idea is a central philosophy that wine does not have to be expensive to be good and wine buying should not be a pretentious experience - customers should trust their own taste. Each Cork&Olive location has a Tasting Table open All Day - Every Day so customers can try before they buy. Since opening the first store in 2004, revenues have increased 400% and the Preferred Customer base has grown to more than 50,000. Many Preferred Customers who came to know Cork&Olive through buying wine are now buying franchises. In February 2006, the company announced three private investment opportunities that include owning a portion of a corporate store, investing in a franchise or investing in the franchise corporation. By the end of 2007, nine corporate stores throughout the Tampa Bay area acted as our corporate models for our franchise company. We plan to sell between 100 - 150 franchises in Florida by the end of 2009. Like so many great ideas, Cork&Olive was designed to fill a void - to offer something you can't find anywhere else. Cork&Olive prides itself on customer service and being the neighborhood wine store - the place down the street where you discover new wines among old and newfound friends and neighbors. Preferred customers are given the opportunity to spend time among friends on the Last Thursday of Each Month for a catered wine tasting event called Sip&Dip. That "neighborhood" hospitality is also extended through other specialty services such as free home delivery of a case or more within five miles of the store and keeping track of our Preferred Customer's favorite wines. Other unique selling points that set Cork&Olive apart are the unique selection of wines from smaller family owned vineyards and the ability to bottle your own wines from oak barrels right in the store. Cork&Olive prices are fair. (Average bottle price ranges from $13 to $16) Remember, we believe wine does not have to be expensive to be good. We have well-trained Wine Guides who can staff private In-Home wine parties and catered corporate events. Another unique selling point is Cork&Olive's additional product line of imported extra virgin olive oils, specially blended spices, natural sea salts, hand-blown glassware and other wine related gifts. What started as one man's search for a good bottle of wine has turned into a discovery for thousands, the discovery of Good Times  -  Good Wine  -  Good People