AUSTINTOWN, Ohio – After seven decades of continuous family ownership, Lou’s Beer and Wine Cellar, a longstanding landmark on Route 46 in Austintown, is preparing for a change in ownership. The store, opened in 1955 by Lou and Philomena DiNunzio, will be sold at auction as current owner Randy DiNunzio plans his retirement.
Randy DiNunzio, 69, has operated the store for 51 years. A familiar face in the community, he has singlehandedly managed the business, working from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., six days a week—and occasionally on Sundays—without the assistance of employees. For the past five years, he has not taken a single vacation.
“I’m a one-man band,” DiNunzio said, reflecting on his relentless work ethic. “People that come here, they know I’m here and they can call me. I’m always here. That makes a difference.”
The business was founded under urgent and unconventional circumstances. DiNunzio’s grandparents, Lou and Philomena, purchased the property in 1955 by using their home as collateral. At the time, Philomena lacked experience in retail and enlisted her son—Randy’s father—to leave college and help run the store in order to avoid losing the family home.
Now, after decades at the helm, Randy DiNunzio has decided it’s time to step away. With a granddaughter already in the family and a grandson on the way, he says his priorities have shifted toward spending time with loved ones.
“I’ve got to go visit everybody. I’ve got to enjoy the rest of my life,” he said. “If I stay here, I’m not going to see anything. I’ll see this, but not the family.”
Under DiNunzio’s stewardship, Lou’s has become one of the premier wine retailers between Cleveland and Pittsburgh. The shop boasts an inventory of 30,000 bottles, encompassing 2,500 varieties, along with an extensive selection of craft beers.
Known for his charisma and customer service, DiNunzio likens his role to that of a performer. “It’s like being on stage all day,” he explained. “Sometimes I’m more exhausted from the interaction with people than the stacking and loading.”
The sale will be handled by Kiko Auctioneers. The auction includes not only the retail store but also two residential apartments and a four-car garage. Bidding will open on June 24 and close at 1 p.m. on June 26. While DiNunzio hopes the property fetches between $2 million and $2.5 million, the auction is absolute—meaning it will be sold to the highest bidder regardless of the final price.
Looking ahead, DiNunzio acknowledges the emotional difficulty of letting go. “It’ll be hard. It’ll be sad. It’ll be a weird feeling because it’s my life. It’s everything.”
Lou’s Beer and Wine Cellar remains open as it prepares for its next chapter, closing a significant and personal era in Austintown’s business history.
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