Louisiana Anheuser-Busch Company Now Under New Owner

We just learned that Southwest Beverage, which has locations in Lake Charles, Alexandria, and Leesville is now under new management. Ben Marriner, President of the Anheuser-Busch distributor, sold the company to Timothy and Patrick Mockler along with Chris Davis, President of Mockler Beverage.

The good news is that the Budweiser/Bud Light distributor purchased all of Southwest's facilities and staff! So, folks will be able to keep their jobs in the process. Tim Mockler, Chairman of Mockler Beverage said of the newly acquired deal,

"The addition of these new markets brings new talent into our organization. We are excited to share ideas and best practices on how to sell our excellent portfolio of products." Mockler continued. "Our family got bigger today. We, along with our great suppliers, look forward to servicing the communities of these 11 parishes."

That is a win-win for existing employees and the community as a whole. Southwest Beverage's company has been a HUGE supporter of SWLA's Veterans, festivals, local charities, and fundraisers. From the looks of things, the Baton Rouge-based company has not only embraced the culture of community involvement, but one of the owners is from our neck of the woods. Chris Davis said of the transition,

"This will be easy for us being this area is my home. I'm from here. I grew up here. I started in the beer business here in 1989. Now I am thrilled to serve in the ownership role serving these communities."

For more info about Mockler Beverage, take a look at an excerpt from the Press Release that went out this week on Monday, Feb 26, 2024:

A proud Anheuser-Busch distributor, Mockler Beverage also represents brewers such as Constellation, Mark Anthony, New Belgium, and several craft brewers including Gnarly Barley and Urban South. Their portfolio includes many non-alcoholic brands such as Prime, Ghost, and Evamore Water.

Mockler Beverage, the Baton Rouge-based distributor began in 1987. That year the company patriarch Gary Mockler purchased Southern Beverage Company. Mr. Mockler, a proud Marine Veteran, began his career in the beer business in St. Louis as a delivery driver for Anheuser-Busch. When he bought Southern Beverage, he was one of five Region Vice Presidents for AB.

The company was re-named "Mockler Beverage" in 1995. From the original territory of 8.5 parishes, the Mockler Family has grown to cover the New Orleans metro market as well as the bayou parishes in the Houma and Thibodaux area. The acquisition of Southwest Beverage increases the total footprint of Mockler Family companies to 29.5 parishes including the city of Eunice in St. Landry parish.

We would like to officially welcome Mockler Beverage to SWLA!