Distributor has grown from a regional distributor to a Top 10 beer, wine and spirits wholesaler in the state
Kalamazoo, MI — Imperial Beverage is celebrating 20 years of supplying tens of thousands of retailers throughout the state with beer, wine and spirits made right here in Michigan, across the country and around the world.
“I want to thank our employees, suppliers and retail partners — past and present — for their hard work, dedication and believing in what we represent at Imperial Beverage,” said Joe Cekola, president of Imperial Beverage. “Thanks to their support, over the last two decades we have grown from a regional distributor to a Top 10 distributor of beer, wine and spirits.”
Joe Cekola Sr. and the Cekola family acquired Imperial Beverage in 1984, and the distributor has been a family run business ever since. His son, Joe, took the reins in 1994 and continues to run the company alongside his brother Larry.
“Imperial Beverage has been a big part of our family and we treat our employees like family too,” Cekola said. “We’re proud to be a part of the communities we call home, employing people in Kalamazoo, Livonia, Traverse City and Ishpeming in good paying job with good benefits, and contributing to Michigan’s economy.”
Prior to launching statewide in 2001, Imperial Beverage serviced seven counties in southwest Michigan. As the company added brands and grew its footprint it hired more people, bought more trucks and added warehouses in Livonia, Traverse City and Ishpeming — all while keeping its headquarters in Kalamazoo.
“I’m honored to raise a glass to Imperial Beverage and the Cekola family and toast their success over the last 20 years,” said Kalamazoo Mayor David Anderson. “Imperial Beverage has been an important job creator in Kalamazoo and gives back to the community it calls home.”
Imperial Beverage was first established in 1933 after the repeal of prohibition and now employs more than 300 people across its four locations. Imperial Beverage proudly provides statewide coverage that serves every Michigan county, every week, all year long.
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