Fourth-generation owned beer distributor Petitpren Inc. raises a glass in celebration of 90 years in business

October 24, 2023

Petitpren’s continued success made possible by hardworking employees, relentless focus on quality, community service


CLINTON TWP., Mich. – A leader among beer distributors in Michigan since 1933, Petitpren Inc. is proud to celebrate 90 years in business this year. The company’s continued success is made possible by the hard work and commitment of its employees, a relentless focus on quality, and giving back to the communities it proudly serves. 


“My great-grandfather, Frank E. Petitpren, started this company out of a six-car garage on Broadway on the Clinton River in Mt. Clemens immediately following the end of Prohibition before moving to a location on Market Street,” said Brad Petitpren, president of Petitpren Inc. “Thanks to his leadership and that of my grandfather, Stan, and my father, Dean, our company established a mission to provide the highest quality products, a wide variety of choices, and superior service to our customers. It is a legacy I am proud to continue today alongside our hardworking, dedicated employees and my sons, Austin and Alec, who represent the fifth generation of our family in the business.”


With a commitment to building strong partnerships with its suppliers and giving back to its surrounding communities, Petitpren Inc. exemplifies the deep roots and longstanding histories for which Michigan’s beer and wine distributors are known. Petitpren donates more than $100,000 to local charities and municipalities each year and is a co-founder of SADD Michigan, a student-based organization that fights underage drinking and promotes alcohol education to minors.


“Our connections with the people in the communities where we live and work are integral to our company’s past and future prosperity,” said Taylor Ickes, HR manager at Petitpren. “Our team prioritizes contributing to the growth and success of Macomb County by staying active in sponsoring local events and activities that benefit health and wellness, children and youth, recreation, the environment, and more. We look forward to continuing to strengthen the presence and relationships we have built in our local communities for many years to come.”


Last year, Petitpren Inc. broke ground on a 30,000-square-foot addition to its Clinton Township warehouse. The expansion is helping the distributor accommodate a growing roster of suppliers and a draft cooler and represents Petitpren’s continued investment in the local community and good-paying jobs.


A dedicated steward of the environment, Petitpren Inc. has undertaken many energy efficiency projects over the past 10 years and recycles approximately 2 million pounds of aluminum annually.


Petitpren Inc. proudly serves retailers in Macomb County and a sliver of Wayne County, including the city of Hamtramck. In 1980, the company moved into its current location on Groesbeck Highway in Clinton Township. The warehouse sits on 10 acres of land, housing 135,000 square feet of warehouse space. Petitpren Inc. employs 102 people, including 95 full-time and 7 part-time workers.

Detroit News: Celebrating Michigan’s Family-Owned Beer and Wine Distributors

By Rebecca Stow • June 23, 2026
On June 23, National Family-Owned and Operated Businesses Day offers an opportunity to recognize the local companies that form the backbone of Michigan’s economy. Among them are the state’s beer and wine distributors—independent, family-owned businesses that have been serving their communities for decades. These are multigenerational operations rooted in Michigan communities, where leadership is often passed from one generation to the next. Their longevity reflects not only business success, but a deep commitment to the people and places they serve. When I began my work with the Michigan Beer and Wine Wholesalers Association two decades ago, the industry looked very different. Today, Michigan consumers enjoy an unprecedented variety of choices, supported by advanced logistics, compliance systems, and strong retail partnerships. That evolution has been driven in large part by family-owned distributors who continue to invest in their people, infrastructure and communities. Their local ownership gives them a unique understanding of the retailers and consumers they serve. It also means decisions are made with a long-term perspective—focused not just on growth, but on sustainability and community impact. Thoughtful alcohol policy helps ensure a fair and competitive marketplace, protects public health and safety, and allows businesses of all sizes to thrive. By maintaining strong relationships with lawmakers and industry partners, Michigan’s beer and wine distributors have helped modernize laws while preserving the structure and accountability of the proven three-tier system. As we recognize family-owned businesses across the state this June, it is worth celebrating the role Michigan’s beer and wine distributors have played for decades and will continue to play in the years ahead. Their strength lies not only in their ability to adapt, but in the values that have guided them from the beginning: local ownership, strong relationships, and a commitment to doing business the right way. Spencer Nevins is president of the Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association in Lansing.

Mid-Michigan beer distributor celebrates 65 years in business, three generations of family leadership

By Rebecca Stow • May 4, 2026
OWOSSO, Mich. – Main Beverage Company marks 65 years in business this year, celebrating three generations of family leadership and a legacy rooted in mid-Michigan.

Ypsilanti beer distributor partners on limited-edition release for Ann Arbor Summer Festival

By Rebecca Stow • April 14, 2026
YPSILANTI, Mich. – Local, family-owned beer distributor O&W Inc. in Ypsilanti is celebrating its collaboration with Michigan-based Griffin Claw Brewing Company to develop a limited-edition Session IPA for the upcoming Ann Arbor Summer Festival (A2SF).