June 30, 2023
BETHESDA, MD – American Beverage Licensees (ABL) recognized outstanding bar and package liquor store owners from across the country as ABL Retailers of the Year at the ABL Annual Meeting in St. Louis, Missouri on June 11. Nominated by their state licensed beverage associations for excellence in advocacy, commitment to responsible sales and service practices, community engagement, and support of their state association, these leaders are ambassadors of the vibrant retail alcohol marketplaces found in states throughout the country. Whether operating on-premise bars or taverns, or off-premise beer, wine and liquor stores, these business owners are examples of American entrepreneurship and the small businesses that create jobs that power the economy.
“Our members are the engines that make their businesses, associations and industry go,” said ABL Executive Director John Bodnovich. “They’re on the front lines when it comes to telling the stories about exciting products, creating a welcoming atmosphere for their guests, fighting for their businesses and employees in their state legislatures, and making sure that responsible sales and service never take a back seat. We’re humbled by their dedication and perseverance, and so pleased to recognize their hard work.”
The 2023 ABL Retailers of the Year include:
- Mary Burns | City Limits Package Store | Monroeville, AL
- Ken Kichler | Tacky Jacks | Orange Beach, AL
- Ron Harrison | Loganville Package Store | Loganville, GA
- Jim Shirey | Irving Athletic Club | Joliet, IL
- Gary Gardner | Belmont Beverage | Fort Wayne, IN
- Julianne Sullivan | Bella’s Liquors | Annapolis, MD
- Jaskinder Gill | AJ Liquors | Colmar Manor, MD
- Jay Bond Patel | Curtis Liquors | Weymouth, MA
- Sue Minehart | MineAgain’s Bar & Grill | Albert Lea, MN
- Dax Cetraro | Rialto Bar & Casino | Helena, MT
- Amy & Michael Patalano | Spirits Unlimited | Toms River, NJ
- Ritesh Pastel | Tiverton Liquor Store | Tiverton, RI
- Ralph Cantey, Jr. | Traders of Camden | Camden, SC
- Jimmy Cole & Ann Cole | Poplar Wine and Spirits | Collierville, TN
- Anuj Mittal | Zipps Liquors | Conroe, TX
- Mark Rehwinkel | Cusack’s Pub | Marinette, WI
- Kevin Georges | DT’s Liquor and Tusker Bar | Cheyenne, WY
ABL congratulates all of the honored businesses and licensees for their outstanding and continued contributions to their communities and the beverage alcohol the industry.
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