K-1 Beer and Wine Changing Ownership After Nearly 20 Years in Columbia Pike

After almost 20 years of serving the Columbia Pike community, K-1 Beer and Wine is set to change hands. The shop, known for its vast selection of beers and wines, was originally purchased by Bun Kim in 2006. She later passed it down to her sons, Dae Choi and Sang Kim, upon retiring a decade ago. Now, the brothers are preparing to retire, marking the end of an era for the beloved store.

A Personal Journey Comes to an End

Co-owner Dae Choi, who hopes to move back to South Korea to be closer to family, expressed gratitude for the community that has supported the store over the years. Originally a stockbroker before taking over K-1 with his brother in 2015, Choi built strong relationships with customers. He often shared conversations and laughs with them, making the shop feel more like a neighborhood gathering spot than just a business.

K-1 Beer and Wine stands out for its extensive collection of alcoholic beverages, including rare and hard-to-find domestic and imported beers such as IPAs, stouts, pilsners, and lagers. The store also offers an impressive variety of European wines. In addition to its beverage selection, the shop provides snacks, lottery machines, and even a small counter for USPS postal services, making it a convenient stop for many locals.

New Ownership and Future Plans

The shop has applied for a continuance of the operation license from the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority, with the application currently pending. If approved, the new owner, Rajen Patel, could officially take over as early as April. Patel, who has over 20 years of experience running retail businesses, currently owns two convenience stores in Kentucky and is excited to take on this new venture in Arlington.

Despite the change in ownership, regular customers can rest assured that the essence of K-1 Beer and Wine will remain the same. Patel, a close friend of the current owners, has learned about the store’s operations directly from Sang Kim. He intends to keep the store’s structure intact while introducing new products based on customer preferences. His goal is to preserve the welcoming atmosphere that has made K-1 a neighborhood favorite for nearly two decades.