Imperial Beverage brings Big Lake Sparti Parti to Spartan Stadium

September 19, 2023

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Imperial Beverage, Michigan’s leading independent craft beer distributor, today announced a new partnership with Michigan State University to sell Big Lake Brewing’s signature Sparti Parti IPA at Spartan Stadium during the 2023 football season.


Sparti Parti is among Big Lake Brewing’s signature, best-selling hazy IPAs. With crisp pine notes and a deep citrus finish, Sparti Parti is an extremely pleasant, sessionable beer, ideal for tailgating or sipping during a Spartan football game.


“Sparti Parti has been a mainstay product for years for thousands of Spartans across Michigan, and we are thrilled to have it be among the first beers welcomed into Spartan Stadium and enjoyed by their enthusiastic fans,” said Barry Galgoci, general manager of Imperial Beverage.


In late July, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a bill allowing alcohol sales at Michigan’s 15 public universities' football, hockey, and basketball games. Sales are permitted at select games at each university’s discretion an hour before kickoff, at puck drop and at tipoff, and during games.


This year, Big Lake Brewing is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Their beers are all products of the Great Beer State – inspired by and enjoyed by thousands at and around some of Michigan’s greatest landmarks, including Michigan State University. This dedication to our state’s culture has built Big Lake Brewing’s brand over the past decade.

To learn more about Sparti Parti, follow Big Lake's social media platforms.


Website: Learn more at http://biglakebrewing.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biglakebrewing/?hl=en

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/biglakebrewing


About Imperial Beverage

Imperial Beverage is a long-standing member of the Michigan beverage distribution community. Established in 1933 after the repeal of Prohibition and purchased by Kalamazoo’s Cekola family in 1984, Imperial has grown from a one-county beer distributor to a top 10 statewide beer, wine and spirits wholesaler. With 340 employees and four locations in Kalamazoo, Livonia, Traverse City and Ishpeming, Imperial provides statewide coverage that serves every Michigan county, every week, all year long. Learn more at imperialbeverage.com.


About Big Lake Brewing

Big Lake Brewing is one of Michigan’s leading craft breweries, with distribution across the state. Located on 7th Street in downtown Holland, Michigan, the taproom has 26 taps, always filled with a variety of handcrafted beers created by a passionate team of brewers. Big Lake also offers a full lunch and dinner menu with a Dutch spin. Learn more at biglakebrewing.com.

Detroit News: This industry thrives because of the people who power it

By Rebecca Stow • December 30, 2025
As we close out the year, I’ve found myself reflecting on the milestones our industry has achieved and the people who made them possible. The skilled professionals who work in Michigan’s beer and wine distribution industry often start with a job that evolves into a long, fulfilling career with family-owned businesses deeply rooted in the communities they serve. Throughout 2025, the Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association was proud to share the stories of over 100 individuals from across our industry, including women leaders, logistics professionals, truck drivers, veterans, salespeople, and more. We posed a simple question: What do you love most about working in beer and wine distribution? Across each campaign, a clear theme emerged among the answers: the people. Michigan’s independent beer and wine distributors support more than 6,400 jobs statewide, and each one involves building relationships. Whether helping a new restaurant choose the perfect draft lineup or wine list, sharing knowledge about new products and trends, making a delivery, or supporting a team member through their first big sale, these individuals take pride in working together to help their business partners and communities thrive. They know that success in the beer and wine industry isn’t just about what’s in the bottle—it’s about the people behind it. Throughout the holiday season and beyond, beer and wine distributors bring commitment and expertise to every aspect of this fast-paced, constantly evolving industry. They help consumers access a wide variety of quality products that are often shared during life’s big and small celebrations, bringing people together through shared experiences and traditions. The camaraderie in this industry sets it apart, creating meaningful work built on collaboration, trust, and shared success. Michigan’s beer and wine distributors are always seeking talented individuals to join their teams. From marketing, finance, and sales to warehouse operations, truck driving, or other essential roles, there are many rewarding career paths to explore. We encourage anyone interested in a dynamic, people-focused industry to reach out to their local distributors and learn more about available opportunities. As we look ahead to a new year, the Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association remains committed to elevating and amplifying the remarkable work our distributors do. Their dedication turns everyday work into community impact and makes this industry truly exceptional. Spencer Nevins is the president of the Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association in Lansing.

Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association to open new headquarters in Boji Tower

By Rebecca Stow • December 8, 2025
LANSING, Mich. – The MB&WWA is proud to announce the opening of its new headquarters in the historic Boji Tower in downtown Lansing this Thursday, Dec. 11.

Ypsilanti-based O&W Inc. celebrates Giving Tuesday with donations to four local nonprofits

By Rebecca Stow • November 26, 2025
YPSILANTI, Mich. – As Giving Tuesday approaches on Dec. 2, O&W Inc., a fifth-generation beer distributor in Ypsilanti, celebrates its tradition of giving back.