Two family businesses find room to grow at Airpark

Below: Better Brands, Inc.

Click for: Bruno's

Success is brewing at Better Brands

Better Brands, Inc., Duluth, a local Miller Brewing Company distributor, purchased property located in the Airpark industrial business area from the Port Authority for construction this spring of a new warehouse and office facility.

This is a major development for a beer business that started in a garage in Duluth's Lincoln Park District. The new facility will have 30,000 square feet and will feature a temperature-controlled warehouse with drive-through loading capabilities and three semi-truck docks.

George and Anita Buerke started Better Brands with the purchase of Northern Beer Sales in 1959. Several other labels followed, including Schmidt, Pfeiffer, Hamm's and, most importantly, Miller Brewing Company brands in 1965 and Leinenkugels in 1984. Several other imports from around the world were also added.

The family business grew from just the two owners to 18 full-time employees. Currently the children of George and Anita, Dean Buerke, Terese LaFrance, Cheryl Lehto and Donna Stolpe, own and operate the business. This expansion will allow the company to hire additional staff and meet further growth.