Former WWE Hall of Famer and entrepreneur Brie Bella is heading to Las Vegas this Friday to celebrate the grand opening of JP Brasserie and Sports Den. The venue, which Bella describes as having a speakeasy feel, will host a tasting of the Bella sisters’ Bonita Bonita wine.
Learning the hard way
In a recent interview with OutKick Dropkick, Bella candidly described the steep learning curve she and her twin sister Nikki faced when they entered the wine business nearly a decade ago. “I feel like, literally through my different business ventures, it’s like I had to learn the hard way what people learned in business school,” she said. She noted that hiring employees who share a founder’s passion is a myth: “They’re employees, they’re just showing up to work and they do a great job.”
She also highlighted unexpected cost spikes, such as higher summer shipping rates for wine, which caught the sisters off guard. “All these different things with budgeting and just the numbers was really hard on Nikki and I at first,” Bella admitted, adding that she has made “a lot of financial mistakes” but is now in a “really good place” with a clearer understanding of the industry.
Adjusting strategy for growth
Bella explained that the sisters constantly review their monthly numbers to pinpoint shortfalls. “Is it because we didn’t promote enough? Or is it because no one was filling whatever wine we put out,” she said. The duo plans to tweak their approach in 2027, aiming to move the brand to the next level.
Demographic trends have been favorable. “We’re really lucky that we have a millennial buyer. I mean, we have Gen Zs too, but the millennials are everything, and they like to drink, so it’s been good for us,” Bella noted, underscoring the importance of targeting the right consumer base.
What a perfect Vegas day looks like
When asked about her ideal Las Vegas itinerary, Bella emphasized relaxation over nightlife. “Always a spa day, because the spas in Las Vegas are unreal,” she said, naming the Wynn Hotel’s spa and its cold plunge as a favorite. She also mentioned enjoying a dinner with live music at Delilah’s, followed by a show, while avoiding chaotic clubs. “I can’t have chaos. I go to bed at 10 p.m. When I’m home, I go to bed at 9, but if I’m in Vegas, I still go to bed at like 11 p.m.,” she explained.
Supporting local business
By appearing at JP Brasserie and Sports Den, Bella hopes to draw attention to both the new restaurant and her wine label, providing a boost to the local hospitality scene. Her presence underscores how former athletes can successfully transition to entrepreneurship, contributing to the regional economy.
Fans attending the opening will have the chance to meet Bella, sample Bonita Bonita, and hear firsthand about the sisters’ journey from the wrestling ring to the vineyard.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
