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History

HISTORY

Tradition & Passion

Carolina Beer Co., Inc., under Marion F. “Mack” Stewart began distribution of beer in Anderson, SC in 1941.

Before CBC was formed, Mack’s business was called Carolina Produce Co. and distributed produce to the local area.  One day a gentleman from Schlitz Brewing Co. approached Mack about distributing Schlitz Beer along with his lettuce and other products.  Mack said, “Yes!” and Carolina Beer Co., Inc. was quickly formed.  His first brands were Schlitz, Hudepohl, and Canadian Ace.  Along, the way Mack distributed mainly Schlitz Brands until 1982 when he purchased Barton Grocery, wholesalers of Pabst products.

In April of 1983, CBC was awarded the distribution rights to Coors Brewing Company, a very important appointment for the future growth of CBC.  Larry Lyles, Jr. was instrumental in gaining these rights and CBC was off in running. Mack passed away in June of 1983 and his daughter Marian and son-in-law Larry Lyles, Jr. became wholesalers and have continued the family business since.

A long-time employee and grandson of Mr. Mack, Larry Lyles III began full time in 1997 after a 2-year stint working for Coors Brewing Co in Golden, Colorado and Boulder Beer. Larry Lyles III is now the President of CBC and shares ownership with Larry Lyles Jr. and Marian. CBC continues to grow as a company and still keeps the traditions of Mack’s buisness in their everyday operations.

  1. 1941

    Schlitz Brewing Co. approached Mack about distributing Schlitz Beer along with his lettuce and other products. The first beer company we distributed for.

  2. 1982

    Purchased Barton Grocery Co.- Pabst Brewing Brands

  3. 1983

    Awarded the distribution rights to Coors Brewing Company.

  4. 2003

    Acquired Frank Distributing Co., wholesaler of Miller products. This transformed Carolina Beer Co. into a pre-sale organization.

  5. 2009

    Expanded our Craft portfolio. As well as, acquiring over 15 Suppliers from Piedmont Wine Co.

  6. 2013

    Added a 13,000 sq. ft warehouse adjacent to existing warehouse to accommodate growth.

  7. 2016

    29 Suppliers carrying over 200 Brands and 700 + different labels of domestic, import, craft beer, cider, seltzer, and other alcoholic beverages.

  8. 2019

    CBC continues to be Family-owned and -operated and has more than 60 employees selling and delivering over 1.4 million cases annually in Anderson, Oconee, Abbeville, Pickens, Greenwood, and Greenville counties in South Carolina.

  1. 1941

    Schlitz Brewing Co. approached Mack about distributing Schlitz Beer along with his lettuce and other products. The first beer company we distributed for.

  2. 1983

    Awarded the distribution rights to Coors Brewing Company.

  3. 2003

    Acquired Frank Distributing Co., wholesaler of Miller products. This transformed Carolina Beer Co. into a pre-sale organization.

  4. 2009

    Expanded our Craft portfolio. As well as, acquiring over 15 Suppliers from Piedmont Wine Co.

  5. 2013

    Added a 13,000 sq. ft warehouse adjacent to existing warehouse to accommodate growth.

  6. 2016

    The growth of Carolina Beer had continued. They established 29 Suppliers carrying over 200 Brands and 700 + different labels of domestic, import, craft beer, cider, seltzer, and other alcoholic beverages.

  7. 2019

    CBC continues to be family-owned and operated and has more than 60 employees selling and delivering over 1.4 million cases annually in Anderson, Oconee, Abbeville, Pickens, Greenwood, and Greenville counties in South Carolina.

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