In 1933, at the end of Prohibition, John T. McCormick and his partner Harold Mulvihill started the Erie Beer Company. They were able to secure the franchise rights to Erie County for Anheuser-Busch a few months later. During those early years many small local and regional breweries existed and were distributed through Erie Beer Co. In those early years, deliveries were made to not only taverns and distributors but homes too. Home deliveries were a big part of the overall business.
In 1960, John T. McCormick bought out his partner Harold Mulvihill and brought his oldest son, Michael McCormick into the business to eventually become the President of the company. John’s sons, Philip and Edward, would then follow once they completed college. John T. McCormick passed away on April 1, 1972. Following his death the decision was made to end home deliveries and concentrate on just tavern and distributor business.
In 1968, the family decided to bring on the Stroh Brewery. It became the biggest selling brand in Erie throughout the 70s and early 80s. — Anheuser-Busch would then grow into the market leader from then on.
In 2006 the McCormick family bought the Anheuser-Busch wholesaler in Franklin, Pennsylvania, expanding the Erie Beer Company’s territory for Anheuser-Busch to a total of five counties.
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| Erie Beer Company (1933) |