World-renowned Budweiser Clydesdale to visit Burton, Flint, and Lapeer in support of families of local fallen, injured military members

August 14, 2023

BAY CITY, Mich. — Local beer distributor Fabiano Brothers Inc. today announced special appearances by a world-famous Budweiser Clydesdale Aug. 16-18 in Burton, Flint, and Lapeer as the iconic Clydesdales travel across the country in support of Anheuser-Busch’s partnership with Folds of Honor. Through its scholarship program, Folds of Honor helps ensure local families of fallen or disabled U.S. military members and families of first responders receive educational opportunities and support.


Michigan’s independent, family-owned beer distributors are leaders in charitable giving in their communities and actively partner with local organizations, which Fabiano Brothers exemplifies through its long-term involvement with nonprofits such as Folds of Honor.


“We are thrilled to bring an iconic Budweiser Clydesdale to mid-Michigan this month in partnership with Folds of Honor, continuing our company’s commitment to supporting the military and honoring those who serve our country, some of whom have made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we all enjoy,” said Jamie Farrell, Director of Sales and Marketing Anheuser Busch Brands for Fabiano Brothers Inc. “We sincerely appreciate the opportunity to support Folds of Honor in its mission to inspire courage and determination in our military families as they seek new opportunities and plan for brighter futures.”


The Budweiser Clydesdale will be at Sharky’s Sports Bar in Burton Wednesday, Aug. 16, from 7-9 p.m., the Flint Farmer’s Market Thursday, Aug. 17, from 3-5 p.m., and the Lapeer Days Beer Tent Friday, Aug. 18, from 6-8 p.m. Visitors will have the opportunity to have their photo taken with the Clydesdale and make donations to Fabiano Brothers Inc.’s local Folds of Honor chapter.


To date, Anheuser-Busch, its brands, and wholesaler partners have donated $21.7 million to Folds of Honor, which has contributed to the nonprofit’s delivery of 44,000 scholarships since its founding.

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).

Detroit News: Rooted in Community, Driven to Lead: Women in Michigan’s Beer and Wine Distribution Industry

By Rebecca Stow • March 17, 2026
Across Michigan’s beer and wine distribution industry, women are helping shape the future of our businesses and the communities we serve. As president and CEO of John P. O’Sullivan Distributing in Grand Blanc Township and the third woman to chair the Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association (MB&WWA) Board of Directors, I’m proud to be part of a growing group of women leading with purpose and perspective. This year is especially meaningful for our company as we celebrate 50 years in business. Reaching that milestone is a reminder that strong local businesses are built over time through dedication, adaptability and the people who make long-term success possible—including the growing number of women shaping the future of the industry. Our work as beer and wine distributors is about far more than logistics. It’s about building resilient businesses that support jobs, give back locally and help maintain a fair and competitive marketplace. From sales and operations to finance, marketing and delivery, women are making meaningful contributions at every level of our industry. Distributors are proud to be local businesses with deep roots. We live and work in the communities we serve, and we embrace opportunities to give back—whether supporting neighborhood events, partnering with charitable organizations or helping local retailers succeed. That spirit of service is integral to our businesses and something we strive to carry forward. Beer and wine distributors also play a critical role in Michigan’s three-tier system, moving products safely and efficiently from supplier to shelf. This system supports competition and gives consumers access to an extraordinary variety of high-quality choices, from Michigan-made craft beverages to well-known national brands. As we celebrate Women’s History Month in March, I’m honored to recognize the many women who help drive Michigan’s beer and wine distribution industry forward. The continued success of this industry reflects the collaboration and determination of the people behind it—and women are playing an essential role in shaping what comes next. Joanie O’Sullivan-Butler is president and CEO of John P. O’Sullivan Distributing Inc. in Grand Blanc Township. She is also chair of the MB&WWA Board of Directors and sits on the MB&WWA Women’s Advocacy Committee.