Andy Rieger, President of J.Rieger & Co.
Andy grew up as the last male in the Rieger family line.
Throughout his childhood, he knew of the storied past his family had - the forgotten distillery known as J. Rieger & Co. The business shut down in 1919 at the onset of federal Prohibition. Life came fast in 2010 while living in Dallas and working for an investment bank. Andy got a call one day that his father, Tom, had terminal cancer.
Despite this, his dad encouraged Andy to carve out his unique career path and not return home to Kansas City because of his diagnosis. Sadly, Andy's father passed away just nine weeks after his diagnosis. But before he died, he gave Andy lasting advice - only ever move home if you have a reason, and only you will know what that reason is. In addition, his father gave him instructions, "I won't make it, but with the Rieger restaurant opening in the historic Rieger Hotel in the Crossroads, be sure you go say 'hi' to represent our family. Because of his instructions, Andy met bartender Ryan Maybee, and the discussion about reviving the historic brand was reborn.
Andy's then-girlfriend, now wife, reminded Andy of his dad's advice on moving home and helped him see that he was indeed being inspired to carry on the family business. In 2014, they moved to Kansas City to begin the revival of one of Kansas City's most storied businesses. Today, Andy and his wife have two sons who will proudly carry on the family name.
Gary Hinton, Gomer’s Fine Wine & Spirits
For Gary Hinton and his son Jackson, working side by side isn’t just good for business—it’s the heart of it.
Gary is the proud owner of two Gomer’s Fine Wine & Spirits locations—one at 75th Street and another at 103rd. In 2016, his friend Jim Probst, then owner of the 75th Street store, approached him with a proposal.
“Jim was ready to purchase the Parkville store that had been owned by Tom Stacey for 25 years,” Gary recalls. “Since Jim lived in Parkville, it made perfect sense for him. That’s when he asked if I wanted to buy the 75th Street store—and I did."
The next opportunity came in 2020 when Jim bought Royal Liquor at 103rd Street. He refurbished the space and offered it to Gary, who rebranded it as Gomer's.
Their tasting room is open to the public on Thursdays and Fridays from 4 to 8 p.m., and Saturdays from 2 to 6 p.m., offering a curated selection of premium bourbons, scotches, beers, and wines by the glass or shot.
“We’ve hosted winery, brewery, and distillery owners who come in for seated presentations to share their products,” Gary explains.
Gary and Jackson split their time between the two stores, a presence customers notice and appreciate. “People respect that loyalty,” Gary says. “They like seeing a father and son working side by side.”
A proud father, Gary is quick to reflect on what matters most. “I have 28-year-old twins, Jackson and Valerie. I coached Jackson in baseball, football, and basketball—and I never missed a single game. I was just as present for Valerie’s choir performances. Those are moments I’ll always cherish.”
Now, Gary looks forward to the future with confidence—and gratitude. “I consider myself a lucky dad. Working with my son has been one of the greatest blessings of my career. I’m excited for the day he takes the lead.”
"People respect that loyalty. They like seeing a father and son working side by side.”