A to Z Liquors
319 Douglas Avenue
Providence, RI

Square footage: 2,200

Years in operation: 9½ years

By Sara Capozzi

As Providence’s A to Z Liquors nears its 10-year anniversary next spring, Owner Brijesh Patel has discovered the formula that works for the success of his three stores: welcoming customers with impeccable service and a great selection at fair prices.

Twenty years ago, Patel was running four lucrative convenience stores in the Providence area, but in time, he began to want to do something different.

“It was going really well, but after 10 years, I decided to change industries,” he said. “I feel much better in the liquor industry. I don’t drink personally, but I prefer selling alcohol [over the convenience store business].”

A to Z was Patel’s first package store, which he purchased in May of 2016. He went on to buy two more shops in Providence: Downtown Liquors on Charles Street in 2019 and United Wine & Spirits on Manton Avenue in 2024, which his son, Het “Sunny” Patel, runs.

The store has been in this location on Douglas Avenue for 60 years. When Patel purchased A to Z, he gave it a complete renovation, making it more appealing to shoppers with an updated interior and a curated product selection.

A to Z specializes in a wide range of bourbon, including rare bottles. “We have the highest number of allocated items in the state,” Patel said. “I have a unique collection of spirits and it’s available for anyone to purchase … And we always buy the deals, so we can give them to customers at the best price.”

The shop offers a plentiful selection of other spirits, including tequila, another popular category. Cognacs like Hennessy and D’Ussé also sell well. A to Z also has a strong wine clientele who gravitates toward mainstream selections such as Josh Winery. Ready-to-drink cocktails continue to gain popularity, while big-name and imported beer brands move off the shelves. The shop also carries craft beer staples for those looking for
local selections.

The store brings in a steady stream of foot traffic from the walkable Wanskuck neighborhood, but there is also plenty of off-street parking for those stopping in by car. On top of A to Z’s neighborhood base, the crowd also includes 21-plus customers from Providence College and Johnson & Wales University. “We have mostly regulars and very friendly customers here,” Patel said. “Because we’re friendly, so they reciprocate.”

He works with a close-knit team of two employees, but he prefers to be at the shop most of the time, ready to help customers look for particular items. “I try to be on the floor for customer service so that I can help them if they need help finding something. And if I don’t have something, I’ll try to get it ASAP, to keep that customer happy and keep them coming back.”