By Emily Gedde, Blackduck American

Northome Liquor Store's Head Bartender, Angel Stradtmann (picutred) doesn't let slow business months get the best of her spirits. In fact, its quite the opposite. She uses this time period as a learning experience on how to improve and grow as a business.

"Normally we feast or famine in this bar and it is famine season right now," Stradtmann said.

The "famine" doesn't slow her down, though.

"Last weekend I had a DJ with great music, giveaways and drink specials," Stradtmann said. "I will do the same thing next month."

The liquor store offers activities during the week as well. Monday night is BINGO night, which according to Stradtmann has a very large pot going; Tuesday night features Texas Hold 'Em and Wednesday night will soon have wine tasting.

"It is really nice that the liquor store has the extension of the community room to house all of these events and activities," Stradtmann explained. "I want to utilize that room as much as possible and make it user friendly for every age group."

Stradtmann noted it can be easy to have a sour mood when business is slow.

"Like I said, we are in the famine months right now, you have to do anything you can to raise spirits for your employees and yourself," she said.

Employee motivation comes easy for the staff Stradtmann has.

"The staff that I have helps in decision making just as much as I do," she said. "I want to know what they think we should do for specials, off and on sale, the community room, basically everything. They work the nights - they know what customers want and what they want to do."

Because the liquor store isn't even a year old, Stradtmann said there is still so much growing and learning to do.

"Our staff does a good job at talking to the people and finding out what they want and what they want to see happen here. After all, it is the city of Northome's bar," she said.

Stradtmann said she wants to spread the word about how businesses like the liquor store prevent property taxes from going up.