What’s happening: The Michigan-based, family-owned Imperial Beverage Company celebrated the grand opening of its 12,000 sq. ft. warehouse in Traverse City late last week, this in its 90th year in business. It’s the fourth location for the alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage distributor, which also has locations in Kalamazoo, Livonia, and Marquette.
What it is: The new facility is a 12,000 sq. ft. warehouse located approximately four miles south of downtown Traverse City. Touted as being “state-of-the-art,” Imperial Beverage believes the warehouse will further facilitate their growth in Northern Michigan and better serve their expanding base of suppliers and customers, and
create new job opportunities. The company currently has 23 Traverse City-based employees who cover Northern Michigan from “coast to coast,” and more than 350 employees throughout the state.
Why it’s important: “Thanks to Michigan’s independent and family-owned beer and wine distributors like Imperial Beverage Company, our state is among the Top 5 in beer production, with over 300 small brewers and brew pubs and 140 wineries,” says State Senator John Damoose. “Imperial Beverage’s new Traverse City warehouse demonstrates the company’s continued commitment to creating jobs, supporting small businesses, and giving back to local communities. I look forward to seeing Imperial excel in the Grand Traverse Region and beyond as it continues to help create growth, choices, and competition.”
Who they are: Founded in 1933 following the repeal of Prohibition, Imperial Beverage has since grown to become the only statewide beverage distributor of beer, wine, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages. The opening of the Traverse City warehouse marks a significant milestone for the company, which first entered the local market with one employee and a delivery truck in 2001.
What they’re saying: “We are thrilled to officially open our doors in Traverse City with this state-of-the-art warehouse in such an amazing community,” says Joe Cekola, president of Imperial Beverage Company. “This expansive new facility is evidence of the hard work, passion, and innovation that drive our employees, help generate jobs, support other small businesses, improve the local economy, and introduce more options for consumers across Michigan. The timing of this grand opening couldn’t be better as Imperial celebrates 90 years in the business of helping our retail and supplier partners, employees, consumers, and communities succeed.”
Imperial Beverage Company is now located at 1430 Industry Dr. in Traverse City.
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