The Cody-based Tanager Beverages has sold its assets and distributing rights, meaning the company that has served the Bighorn Basin with beverages since 1997 is no more.
In a letter sent to all “valued vendors,” Tanager Sales Manager Joe Kondelis announced that the assets and distributing rights had been sold to three companies: Quality Brands Distribution L.L.C., Western Distributing, and Teton Distributors. Quality Brands will operate out of the Tanager facility in Cody (County Road 22 Road 2AB.)
“Over the course of 25 years,” Kondelis’s letter reads, “Tanager Beverages has taken great pride in providing excellent customer service, bringing new and exciting brands to market, and being an involved and supportive member to the communities of the Bighorn Basin. The greatest joy we have all had over the years is working with our retailers and developing and fostering relationships with you. The old Anheuser-Busch slogan ‘Making Friends is Our Business’ is something we have tried to live by and honor.”
All accounts with Tanager Beverages will be transferred to Quality Brands (13255 Centech Road, Omaha, NE 68138.) Any questions can be directed to Loretta Land at Loretta.Land@qbdist.com.
Kondelis says there will be no major changes in service for Tanager’s vendors.
Quality Brands is “a family-owned and operated beer, wine, spirits and non-alcoholic beverage distributor.” The company currently distributes over 100 suppliers and 2500 brands to over 4,600 accounts in Nebraska, South Dakota, Colorado, and Wyoming. Furthermore, the company operates seven warehouses, including one in Cheyenne and Casper.
Kondelis’s letter concludes by thanking the community and celebrating the relationships he’s forged during Tananger’s 25-year run.
“I want to leave you all with the deepest of thanks on behalf of myself, my family, and all the great folks at Tanager Beverages. It truly has been a pleasure working with all of you, and I will forever cherish my time with you all. It has been a great honor to represent Tanager Beverages, and I am grateful for the lasting friendships and relationships built.”
