History

Founder “Junie” Long began his career in 1947 with then Durham Distributing after he was advised by doctors to seek a new career outside of American Tobacco Co. Junie had contracted Malaria while serving during the Pacific Campaign in World War II. He was the only driver sell employee when he began with Durham Dist. Within a quick two years he was able to become co-owner. In 1951 after acquiring the remaining ownership he hired another driver which was the beginning of decades of growth.

In 1977, sons Rodney and Crockett purchased the business from Junie. This led to Coors Brewing awarding rights to Durham Distributing for Durham and Orange Counties. In 1988 after the purchase of Cary Wholesale, which expanded their footprint, Rodney and Crockett changed the company name to Long Beverage. This represented the family business and the new identity it had become. The following year a new centrally located warehouse was built to serve the business’ needs. With the new warehouse and strong business practices, in 1989 Long Beverage was chosen as the Corona Franchise and acquired Galanides Inc., the local Pabst wholesaler. This acquisition came with other brands such as Colt and Rolling Rock.

Fast forward to 1996, Long Beverage’s next acquisition was Triangle Beverage. This allowed the company to consolidate the Stroh's, Pabst, and Colt brands for the entire local market. Throughout the 90's and 2000's the company continued to grow and evolve. In 2005 a 105,000 square foot state of the art facility was built. Then an additional 40,000 square feet of warehouse space was added two years later.

Throughout the late 2000's many brands were added to the portfolio. Everything from craft and domestic to non-alcoholic. 2018 became a big year when Heineken began being distributed. Thankfully due to the 22-acre site Long Beverage sits on a second expansion of 50,000 square feet was finished in early 2019.

In February of 2020 Mims Distributing Co. was acquired almost doubling the current volume. This welcomed some new and exciting brands that have created a strong presence in Long Beverage’s portfolio. With the large increase in volume the company has broken ground on, yet another expansion project slated to add another 60,000 sqft to the current facility and be completed in late 2021.

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