The Collegian

Issue date: 2/7/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Liz Essley

Media Credit: Liz Essley

Media Credit: Liz Essley

Media Credit: Liz Essley

David Kamen finally got his glass of wine. Now he can have two. In early December 2007, the local wine and cigar shop owner bought another building with plans to expand.

Kamen, 65, frequented the Hillsdale area for regular golf outings, and always found disappointment looking for fine glass of wine and a decent cigar. For two years now, his shop, David's Dolce Vita, has supplied the area with both. His next project in community involvement starts with the store next to his current shop.

"Before David came you didn't see much of a movement for new business [downtown]," said Hillsdale Mayor Michael Sessions. "Since he's been in our community, we've seen some different things. He sparked some interest for new things downtown."

Jay Bahr, economic development director for the city of Hillsdale, said Kamen's entrepreneurial presence sets an example for the town.

"I feel that David created a true destination and a reason for people to come downtown," Bahr said. "He is showing people what is possible. My hope is for other people to be inspired and to do the same."

Kamen's acquisition now houses Roger Losey Jewelry and will still, but he plans to refurbish its upper floors into apartments similar to the one above David's Dolce Vita.
"I wanted to buy the building next door because if the jeweler decided to move I didn't want someone else to buy it," he said, considering the space for potential expansion to a cheese shop someday. "I'd like people to feel like I have had something to do for the city."

David of Dolce Vita

When Kamen neared retirement from Daimler Chrysler two years ago and started considering his next move, the building he now possesses went on the market.

"I started thinking, 'Cigars. At worst, I'll have a lot of cigars to smoke and a lot of wine to drink,'" he said.

He now spends his time in a burgundy leather chair, chatting with patrons, smoking a cigar and helping customers find the perfect bottle or smoke. He even takes care to remember which white wine one of his customers bought last time and liked. When the ding dong of the opening door chimes, he quickly ushers the uninitiated into his humidor for a quick show and lesson. He has, as Bahr described, an "understated kind of sophistication."

"It has all been pretty relaxing so far," he said. "I got a better TV here than I do at home, and you never know who will walk through the door. I just sit here and people come in."
The mix of people in his shop embody the best aspects of the business, aside from being his own boss, Kamen said.

"People from the college and the town cross paths in here quite a bit," he said. "They are a joy to meet."

Adam Kamen, 27, said his father truly cares about the people he serves and the city in which he resides.

"He is just an all around great guy who is really interested in making sure the city goes in the right direction," Adam said. "He treats a guy riding in on a bike with bags just as well as a guy spending hundreds in the store."

Though Kamen has already achieved much in Hillsdale, he entertains a few ideas he would like to put into action.

"My aspiration is I would love to open an old-style mafia-type restaurant - without the Mafia, of course," he said. "The kind of place where guys can wear a suit and tie and smoke in the lounge."

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