Major Brands Revenue and Competitors

Major Brands originated as E& L Wholesale, a wine and spirits distributor in St. Joseph, Mo., founded by Joseph, "Kewpie", Epsten in 1934. Kewpie later helped his son Robert, "Bobby", Epsten expand the business, when Bobby opened General Liquors in Kansas City in 1951. As the business continued to grow and to establish a reputation for carrying the beverage industry's leading brands it merged with Standard Wholesale to form General Standard in 1967, becoming Kansas City's largest distributor of premium beverage alcohol. In the early 1980s, Bobby became the sole owner of General Standard, with David Vittor, who joined the company in 1972, at his side as general manager. With their strong leadership, the company continued its growth and the expansion of its premium product portfolio. Bobby's son Todd joined the business as director of marketing in 1984. And, in 1988, General Standard became a statewide distributor when it bought and merged two wholesale distributors in St. Louis and bought existing distributorships in Columbia, Springfield and Cape Girardeau. The new operation was named Major Brands, Inc., with General Standard in Kansas City being re-named Major Brands a few years later. Today, Major Brands is the largest wine and spirits wholesale distributor in the state and the only large distributor that remains Missouri owned, employing about 500. It's known throughout the industry for its extensive portfolio of leading brands as well as for its outstanding management and commitment to customers, suppliers and associates. It remains a family business, with Bobby Epsten as chairman, Todd Epsten as CEO, and David Vittor, as president and chief operating officer. At Major Brands, a family business means that employees, customers, suppliers and the community are treated like family. As a result, we are celebrating our 70th anniversary in 2004, with our greatest success, great brands, great customer service and great associates--ever.