Matesich Distributing 3.44

Matesich Distributing – while striving for success in the sales and distribution of its products – is also dedicated to building awareness within the communities it serves, to promoting responsible drinking, and to preventing underage consumption of alcohol and drunk driving.

Matesich Distributing today employs over 100 people and distributes to retailers in Coshocton, Fairfield, Guernsey, Knox, Licking, Morgan, Muskingum and Tuscawaras counties and in parts of Monroe, Perry and Noble counties.

Anheuser-Busch & Wholesalers, together with 12 breweries and a vast network of shippers, provide the most extensive and effective beer distribution system in the brewing industry. Refrigerated warehouses and computer-based inventory systems make sure our Retailers and Customers get the freshest, highest-quality beer available anywhere.

OUR HISTORY

In 1928, then 18-year-old John C. Matesich, Jr., founded Matesich Distributing Co. in Zanesville, Ohio, selling Prima near beer, and 7 Up soda. Following the repeal of prohibition during the 1930′s and 1940′s, the company added Red Top and Weidemann beers.

As they graduated high school, John Jr.’s brothers – Matthew, Stephen and Mark – joined the company. Their brother George graduated from The Ohio State University and then joined his brothers in business.

In 1935, John Jr. was able to buy out a faltering competitor who had a single brand from a small brewery in St. Louis. The brewery was Anheuser-Busch, and the brand was Budweiser. In that same year, Matesich also started selling various brands of table wines and low-proof spirits.

In 1945/46, Matesich Distributing expanded by opening a branch operation in Newark, managed by Matthew and Stephen Matesich. Newark became the site of the company’s Controlled Environment Warehouse in 1981, and the Zanesville and Newark operations were consolidated in the new Newark facility.

In 1997 the company sold its wine and distilled spirits business, and in 1999 contracted with Anheuser-Busch to operate a distribution support facility for Anheuser-Busch wholesalers in Central and Southern Ohio, Northern Kentucky and parts of West Virginia. The company chose not to renew that contract in 2007 to allow it to devote more warehouse space to expand its portfolio of InBev imported malt beverages and Hansen Energy Drinks.

In 2011 Matesich Distributing was awarded the rights to distribute D.G. Yuengling and Son beverages as part of Yuengling’s expansion into the state of Ohio.

In 2013 John Matesich III announced his retirement from the family-owned business after 40 years of service. CEO and President Jim Matesich will assume sole ownership and top management responsibilities of the company moving forward.