4 minute read
Corporate Spotlight
Capitol-Husting Company has a long, rich history of distributing beverages in the state. “We are among the oldest and largest beverage wholesalers in Wisconsin,” explains President Jerry Zavorka. “Our history dates back to the late 1800s.” A family-owned wholesale distributor, Capitol-Husting focuses on wine, spirits and nonalcoholic mixers. The company does business in all 72 Wisconsin counties, operating as Allstate Liquor & Wine outside of the Milwaukee area, highlighting its statewide reach.
With an extensive portfolio of more than 5,000 products across 2,000 brands, the company offers some of the biggest names in the industry. Given the breadth and depth of the company’s product line, Capitol-Husting can be a one-stop shop for Tavern League members. According to Zavorka, on the spirit side, Capitol-Husting’s best-selling brands are Captain Morgan rum, Crown Royal whisky, Bacardi rum and Patrón tequila. For wine, the top choices are Bogle Vineyards, Stella Rosa and Santa Margherita.
Zavorka adds that the company also represents some local distilleries, including Milwaukee’s Great Lakes Distillery (the first distillery to open in Wisconsin since Prohibition) and Twisted Path Distillery, La Crosse Distilling Company from La Crosse, Hatch Distilling Company in Door County and a few others from around the state.
As a business owner, you have to differentiate yourself from what everyone else is selling — and it’s no different for wholesalers. “I have different products than my competitors,” says Zavorka. “Our offerings allow taverns to have unique and different beverage programs, so they are not competing with another tavern down the street. You can look to Capitol-Husting to differentiate yourself.” drink list creation, and food and wine pairings. As a wholesaler, Zavorka has an inside look at what’s trending in the industry. In fact, the latest trend might sound surprising — nonalcoholic cocktails. “It sounds crazy, but nonalcoholic drinks are gaining some steam,” acknowledges Zavorka. “I would suggest that every tavern include a nonalcoholic specialty cocktail on their menu.”
That’s why Capitol-Husting also carries nonalcoholic wines and a product called Sans Junipre, a nonalcoholic spirit with zero sugar and zero calories, that tastes like a cross between gin and vodka. “They are great for the designated driver or for people who don’t drink, but still want a cocktail experience, still want to go out and drink cool-looking, nonalcoholic cocktails,” he adds.
Zavorka additionally encourages TLW members to carry and promote locally made Wisconsin products. “I think we see that on the beer list, but not a lot on the cocktail menus,” says Zavorka. “There are a lot of Wisconsin distilleries. These distilleries use local farmers, and support local families and economies. If you are selling vodka, whiskey, bourbon or gin, why not do it with a local Wisconsin product? Support those in our state by helping them grow their business, while supporting local farmers and growers. When we do that, we support each other’s livelihoods.”
A TLW corporate sponsor for more than 20 years, CapitolHusting is committed to helping support the businesses that support it. “The tavern industry represents 25% of our total sales,” says Zavorka. “We want to help the Tavern League fund the things that are most important to it, like fighting legal battles, doing promotions, supporting the SafeRide Program and working on legislation. If there are strong and vibrant taverns around Wisconsin, it keeps our business strong, and allows our organization to continue to invest in the Tavern League and support its members.” TLW
— Jerry Zavorka, Capitol-Husting Company
CAPITOL-HUSTING COMPANY AND ALLSTATE LIQUOR & WINE
(414) 353-1000 | capitol-husting.com
NATIONAL CERTIFIED FOOD SAFETY MANAGER LICENSE TRAINING
Small Operator Permit
Date Location Site and Address
Monday, July 25, 2022 Appleton Starlite Club, W2091 County Rd. JJ Tuesday, July 26, 2022 Fond du Lac Radisson Hotel & Conference Center Fond du Lac, 625 W. Rolling Meadows Dr. Wednesday, July 27, 2022 Kenosha Brat Stop/Parkway Chateau, 12304 75th St. Monday, August 1, 2022 Wisconsin Dells Holiday Wholesale, 225 Pioneer Dr. Wednesday, August 3, 2022 Janesville Janesville Elks Lodge, 2100 N. Washington St. Monday, August 8, 2022 Hudson Best Western Plus Hudson, 1200 Gateway Blvd. Monday, August 8, 2022 Rhinelander Cabaret Cove, 1540 Pueblo Dr. Tuesday, August 9, 2022 Chippewa Falls Avalon Hotel, 1009 W. Park Ave. Tuesday, August 9, 2022 Waukesha Foxx View Lanes, 2440 W. Sunset Dr. Tuesday, August 9, 2022 Plover Springville Sports Grill, 2811 Plover Springs Dr. Monday, August 15, 2022 Green Bay Stadium View Sports Bar, Grill & Banquet Hall , 1963 Holmgren Way Wednesday, August 17, 2022 Dodgeville Dodger Bowl Lanes, 321 King St. Wednesday, August 17, 2022 Madison Doubledays, 4586 Baxter Rd. Tuesday, August 23, 2022 Antigo North Star Lanes, 400 Prosser Pl. Wednesday, August 24, 2022 Kenosha Brat Stop/Parkway Chateau, 12304 75th St.
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Wisconsin's locally owned and operated wholesaler since 1877.
PROUD sponsor of the Tavern league
