Patch Article
Here's How Sam's Beverage Place Is Making A Difference In The Community
Patch caught up with Mitchell Iden, owner of Sam's Beverage Place, to learn about his new store and the job it's created for his son, Sam.
Oct 3, 2017
By Olivia Halevy, Patch
Sam's Beverage Place is a convenience and delivery store that is your one-stop shop for snacks, beverages, craft beers and other essential quick grabs. The store recently opened for the East Hampton community, but it also opened for Sam Iden, son of owner Mitchell Iden. Read on to learn more about the family business and how serving the community is helping Sam find his own place in the world.
Patch: How long have you been doing business in town?
Iden: We opened on July 10, 2017.
Patch: What attracted you to the line of work you're in, and how did you get started?
Iden: We, my wife Heidi and I have a 23-year-old son who is autistic. We realized a long time ago that the best thing we could do for him was to make a place of business that he could always go to and be productive. There are very few vocational opportunities for people with disabilities generally and in particular on the East End of the Island. Because of his disability, fitting in or having his place in the world was challenging.
Mitchell Iden, owner, Sam's Beverage Place on Race Lane in East Hampton
Children with developmental disabilities generally live apart from what we call typically developing children and are treated differently. We wanted Sam to have a place in this community. This particular business seemed attractive, as the product has a tactile feeling — a bottle, a box, etc., not apparel. The products assort in quantities that are easier for him to identify, for example, a case of 24-oz. Poland Spring.
Photo of Sam Iden, son of Sam's Beverage Place owner, Mitchell Iden.
The store is not overly crowded, and it is not food service where people may have an expectation of quick service — this is more self-service, and Sam can help people out to their cars with their purchases. Sam loves maps and directions so we want to establish a delivery business so he can go out into the community and deliver product (Sam does not drive, so he will have someone drive the van).
Patch: If you had to sum up your business mission to a stranger in five words, what would those words be?
Iden: "A Place Here For Sam."
Patch: What's the biggest challenge or most difficult moment you've faced in your job?
Iden: This took many years to put together, so continuing to believe that we will be able to get it done was difficult.
Patch: What's the most satisfying part of your job?
Iden: Seeing Sam in the van telling his driver how to get to the next delivery.
Patch: How would you say your business distinguishes itself from the others?
Iden: I think the basis of the business distinguishes this business not only from competition but from practically all businesses.
Patch: What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given when it comes to success?
Iden: Two pieces of advice come to mind. God gave you two ears and one mouth, so listen twice as much as you talk. We need not know the answers; we need to be able to state the question. If we can state the question, we will find the answer.
Patch: What are some of your secrets to success?
Iden: Since I practice law, following the above two pieces of advice have helped me to be successful.
Patch: What is your favorite thing about Patch?
Iden: Local news.
Patch: How can Patch readers learn more about your work and business?
Iden: Visit our Facebook page.