Deal with Meijer gives energy to former Atwater Brewery owner’s new Fül Beverage

Mark Rieth, the former owner of Detroit-based Atwater Brewery, believes his new Fül Beverage business is positioned to grow globally — starting in the Midwest with the help of Meijer Inc.

Rieth struck a deal with the Walker-based supermarket chain to stock Fül beverages (pronounced “fuel”) in 130 Meijer locations in Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky. e drinks can be seen on Meijer shelves now.

“Meijer is a great partner, having chosen our products to be on its shelves,”

Rieth told Crain’s.

“ e move is part of our Midwest expansion into other retailers as we push for national exposure. One thing Meijer does well as a Michigan-based company is they’re always willing to listen to local vendors and suppliers.” e coalition reported $100,916 in revenue and $59,115 in expenses for scal 2022 ended Sept. 30, according to unaudited nancials it provided to Crain's. It ended the year with just over $93,000 in net assets.

Meijer o cials did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

Rieth bought Atwater in 2005, sold it to a Molson Coors division in January 2020 and o cially left Atwater in December 2021. He launched Detroit-based Fül Beverage last summer as a nonalcoholic beverage company focused on hydration drinks, including NA craft brews and all-natural alternative energy and recovery drinks. Including the Meijer deal, Fül is in 700-900 stores, according to Rieth.

In 2022, BLAC purchased the single-family residence for $250,000. In a joint e ort between Sullivan and Brian Cole, the owner of Aza Homes, the house was renovated completely. e partnership empowered BLAC’s leadership to co-design the space with Nadiene Johnson, a community partner. Weeks later, Johnson contributed to the 2,942-square-foot renovation project by selecting the furniture layout and securing donations from local businesses.

See BLAC on Page 17