Magnolia Beverage Company

Founded in 1934 with two trucks and a salesman, Magnolia Beverage Company has been a beverage distribution provider for the city of Meridian for 85 years.  The company was founded by Mike John, who immigrated to the U.S. from Lebanon when he was 12 years old.  After his time leading the company, it was headed by his daughter Edna John Davis, then by her son and grandson, Magnolia CEO, Michael Davis I and his son, Magnolia President, Michael Davis II. 

Being a distributor makes you the middle man in a three tier system; from maker to distributor to buyer.  Suppliers need a route to get their product to market and the distributor provides the shipping, marketing and sales. Magnolia Beverage has experienced major growth over the years, going from 3,000 square feet to around 36,000 square feet.

“There are only a handful of companies that have been around 85 years,” Davis said.  “There are only a few in Mississippi and we’re one of them.”  To be able to stay in business that long, you have to focus on customer service; customers are the reason you are in business.” According to Magnolia President, Michael Davis II, “As a family owned business, we work to build a team of people that are genuinely interested in what you do. There is always something different going on.  Magnolia Beverage sold over 1,200 different beverage products this last year; beer, light wine and non-alcoholic beverages.  So, between suppliers they represent, customers they serve, and community events, no two days are alike.”

People in the community have always been supportive of the business, which has allowed Magnolia Beverage this longevity.  Customers are appreciative of their service and the ability to provide various products from a wide range of suppliers.  “Being a member of the chamber gives us the opportunity to work with and form relationships with other businesses in the area.  That helps our business and theirs”, says Davis II.

“We work to build alliances with each other in the business community.  Every year is a milestone in today’s business economy,” adds David II. For 85 years, Magnolia Beverage Company has been owned and operated by four generations of the same family.   Their goal is to continue serving East Central Mississippi with fine beverages for many more years to come.

Magnolia Beverage Company
2670 St. Andrews St., Meridian, MS