1923

The Brewery Building was built in 1898 by partners John Zaiger, the Chief Brewmaster, Frank and Garrett Fotchman, along with A. Bremmeyr. In 1923, a passing train caught the Brewery on fire and burned three adjacent warehouses and a barn.

1933

Shortly after prohibition (repealed in March of 1933), Zaiger Beverage, owned and managed by Adolf Zaiger and his sons Jack and Wally, started bottling and distributing pop, domestic and imported beers, wine and champagnes. Some of the favorite beverages of the time were: Vernors Ginger Ale, Red Rock Cola, Howel's Root Beer, Hep and Zaiger Beverage Quality Flavors. The Zaigers also distributed regional and imported beeers such as Pfeiffer, Carling's Black Label, Carling's Ale, Blatz and Berghoff.

1949

Zaiger Beverage Company remained in the distribution business from the mid 1930's until October of 1989. After Jack's demise in 1972, Jack's wife Elayne, and Wally became partners.

1989 ... And Beyond

In October of 1989, Steven Arbaugh purchased Zaiger Beverage Company from Elayne and Wally Zaiger and renames the business Bayside beverage Corporation. The warehouse oand offices out of which Bayside operated from 1989 through December 2005 were located at the corner of Washigton and Frankin streets in Petoskey.

In late 2005, Arbaugh and his wife, Flora, purchased the 13-acre site formerly occupied by Parker Motor Freight just south of Petoskey on US 131, which included the original offices of that business and a new 60,000 square-foot warehouse. In January 2006, Bayside Beverage moved its operations to the warehouse and renovated its offices. Out of respect to the Parker's, a long-time Petoskey family that has its own significanthistory and impact in the area, the site is now known as Parker Plaza.

Bayside Beverage represents many beer and wine suppliers to the stores, bars and restaurants located within the counties of Emmet, Charlevoix, Cheboygan and Otsego. Thes popular beer brands include Miller, Coors, Labatt, Heiniken and Guiness. Well-known wine brands distributed by the company include Sutter Home, Chateau Ste. Michelle and Kendall Jackson. The company also promotes many Michigan wines, as well as many small production boutique California wineries. It is a large list of quality beverages offered by Bayside beverage, but this variety is necessary to satisfy the demands of the growing population of knowledgeable year-round residents and savvy visitors that frequent this resort area during winter and summer.

The Zaiger family built a tremendous business over the years. It is on that sound foundation that Bayside beverage has grown to over 40 employees who are dedicated to ensuring that area tavern owners, restauranteurs and grocery store operators have a variety of the best alcoholic beverages available to serve their customers and maintain profitablity. bayside Beverage is the area's only locally-owned beverage distributor, and is proud that the company and its employees are frequent and generous contributors to area charities and causes.

The Arbaughs are proud to be an employer and a vital business in the Petoskey area, and are extreamly thankful for the opportunity to take over where the Zaiger family left off.

Cheers!