Milestones

Founded by Carlos Alvarez in 1986, The Gambrinus Company began as a small beer importer serving the Southwest region of the United States.

1986–Carlos Alvarez founds The Gambrinus Company and begins selling and marketing the Grupo Modelo brand portfolio – Corona Extra, Corona Light, Modelo Especial, Negra Modelo and Pacifico Clara – in the eastern half of the United States and Texas. This marked the beginning of Corona's journey to become the #1 imported beer int the U.S.

1989–Gambrinus acquires the Spoetzl Brewery in Shiner, Texas.

1995–Gambrinus acquires BridgePort Brewing Company in Portland, Oregon.

1997–Moosehead Breweries, Ltd. awards Gambrinus the exclusive import distribution rights for Moosehead Canadian Lager for the United States.

1997–Corona Extra becomes the #1 imported beer in the U.S.

1998–Gambrinus acquires Pete’s Brewing Company, a leading craft brewery founded by Pete Slosberg.

2004–Gambrinus builds Trumer Brauerei Brewery Berkeley in Berkeley, California and begins brewing Trumer Pils.

2005–Gambrinus partners with Birra Menabrea from Biella, Italy to brew Tappeto Volante, and Italian kraft beer.