Feature Friday: Beerco

Happy Feature Friday, where every Friday the Chamber team will highlight one of our fantastic members by repping them for the day and telling the community more about them. This week's Feature Friday is: Beerco!

Beerco and City Beverage are wholly owned subsidiaries of Superior Distributing Co., Inc. which was formed in May 1948 by Robert Klepper. Superior began by distributing Old Crown, Red Top, Drewery’s, and Goebel in Findlay, Ohio until it relocated to Tiffin in 1950. The company expanded with a branch in Lima in 1952. Brands were added and consumer trends changed and the primary brands at that time were Schlitz, Pabst, Blatz and Genesee. The company was small but growing and the then 15 employees sold 50,000 cases of beer annually.

In 1969 Superior acquired Beerco, located in Fostoria, Ohio, from Vern Hanson. The distributorship had been in operation since Prohibition. The Anheuser-Busch brands in Hancock, Seneca, Wyandot, and lower Wood counties were added to the Superior portfolio and sales expanded through the next 3 decades. During this time of growth, the company diversified into other industries as well as added other brands from Adolph Coors, Stroh, and imports from Mexico (Corona) and Canada (Labatt). Beerco sells its portfolio in part of Sandusky, and in all of Hancock, Wood, Seneca counties.

The company continued to grow with the May 2009 acquisition of the Anheuser-Busch and Crown franchises of City Beverage in Defiance, Ohio. Formerly owned by Tom and Tim Sauer, it continues to operate independently and maintains its local presence in Defiance and the surrounding areas. City Beverage sells its quality portfolio of brands in part of Putnam, and in all of Williams, Fulton, Defiance, Henry, and Paulding counties.

In November of 2011 Beerco and City Beverage were proud to add the Yuengling family of brands to their already premier and industry-leading portfolio. Today the combined companies sell over 3 million cases of beer in all or portions of 11 counties through over 750 fine retail customers in Northwest Ohio. The companies now represent supplier partners from Anheuser-Busch InBev, Yuengling, FIFCO (Labatt & Genesee), Crown Imports (Corona & Modelo), Columbus Brewing Company, Mom Water, G Fuel, 5-Hour Energy, Maumee Bay, and several other craft beer and beverage brewery partners.

They continue to strive to be the first choice of their retail partners and consumers everyday through superior customer service and a portfolio of the best beers and beverages in the world! With a long history of an outstanding reputation, not only is Beerco and industry leader, but also an example setter for a company supporting the community in which they operate. Whether it’s local charities, schools, churches, civic organizations, environmental groups, or the arts, they take pride in supporting the communities in which they live and work. Many employees serve on community boards and are involved in coaching youth athletics. They are also proud supporters of numerous local festivals and fundraisers. 

Beerco is located at 22116 Township Road 218 in Fostoria and can be reached at 419-435-3214. With the Fourth of July holiday weekend approaching, make sure to stock up on all of your favorite drinks for a fun celebration! A major pillar of Beerco's values include responsible consumption and the safety of all. They want to remind everyone the importance of designating a driver and staying hydrated with water of the holiday weekend and the associated festivities. We are so fortunate to have such a strong community supporter like Beerco as a member of the Chamber and as a 2023 Silver Sponsor. We are thankful for everything they do! Learn more at: www.beercocitybev.com.