1978 - 1980 

The Rheingold Brewery closes, enabling Simon Bergson to obtain the local distribution rights to sell Carling Black Label and Tuborg. Thus, Manhattan Beer Distributors is born.

Operating out of a 4,000 square foot warehouse with one sales manager, four salesmen and a fleet of three used trucks, the company achieves sales in excess of 100,000 cases in its first year.
 

1981- 1987 

The success of this young company is recognized by prominent national suppliers like the Joseph Schlitz Brewing Company, the Pabst Brewing Company and the Ernest & Julio Gallo Winery. As a result, brands such as Old Milwaukee, Old Milwaukee Light, Schlitz Malt Liquor, Pabst Blue Ribbon, Old English 800 and Bartles & James wine coolers were added to the portfolio.

As Manhattan Beer Distributors’ reputation for being one of the leading and most aggressive distributors in the industry continues to grow, regional brands like Genessee and Rolling Rock are acquired.
 

1988 - 1997 

After four different warehouse moves – each time to a larger facility – Manhattan Beer Distributors is appointed the Master Distributor for the State of New York for the Mexican import, Corona Extra. With the addition of Corona Extra, Manhattan Beer Distributors expands its direct distribution efforts to Long Island.

Pete’s Brewing Company, Boston Beer Company, and Bacardi Breezers are added to the portfolio and Manhattan Beer Distributors expands to Westchester, Rockland and Putnam Counties.

The company flourishes as its leading brands grow: Corona Extra has four consecutive years of +40% growth; Rolling Rock is established as a niche alternative to Budweiser; Samuel Adams and Pete’s account for 75% of the region’s craft beer sales.
 

1998 – 2007 

Manhattan Beer Distributors acquires the rights to Coors and expands to Orange, Sullivan, Dutchess and Ulster Counties.

Manhattan Beer Distributors becomes the first private company in the northeast to convert a portion of its diesel fleet to compressed natural gas, with the goal of reducing pollution.

Manhattan Beer Distributors completes the installation of rail into four of its five facilities, thus creating a better, more efficient delivery system, lessening traffic congestion and further reducing pollution.