About the Mobile Chamber
The Mobile Chamber is a private business organization with more than 1,700 members and the economic developer for the City of Mobile and Mobile County. The Mobile Chamber’s focus is to provide members with networking, marketing and professional development opportunities, expand jobs in the area, develop the local workforce, advocate legislative priorities and offer resources to help small businesses grow. Additional information is on the Chamber’s website, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube.
Gulf Distributing to Relocate Operations to Former Press-Register Building in Downtown Mobile
Gulf Distributing to Relocate Operations to Former Press-Register Building in Downtown Mobile
The Mobile Chamber is proud to announce that Gulf Distributing, one of the oldest and most respected beverage distributors in the southeast, plans to relocate its operations from Moffett Road to Downtown Mobile.
The company will overhaul the former Press-Register Building, located at 401 N. Water Street, expand and modify the existing warehouse to suit its needs, and improve the office space.
Elliot and Freida Maisel (left) with Gulf employees at the Moffett Road warehouse in the early ’80s.
“When Gulf was founded in 1973, my mother and I had about 15 employees and a few trucks. The Moffett Road location was a perfect fit for Gulf back then and had plenty of room for our thriving business to grow. Now almost fifty years later, Gulf’s business is bursting at the seams, and we need more space for all the growth Gulf has achieved,” said Gulf Distributing Chairman and CEO Elliot B. Maisel. “After a lengthy search, we are thrilled to have found the old Press Register location on Water Street. We feel this location can accommodate our needs for additional space while allowing us to upgrade to a more modern, efficient facility. Our employees are also excited to be in downtown Mobile, which has so much to offer with its restaurants and culture amongst the area’s most sought-after neighborhoods. Most importantly, it has plenty of room to grow for the next fifty years.”
The project includes improvements to the remaining office space to lease as Class A commercial space to other tenants, making the building ideal for other headquarter operations in downtown Mobile.
This move will play a key role in the revitalization of Downtown Mobile, as we strive to recruit more back-office operations to our downtown area,” said Mobile Chamber President & CEO Bradley Byrne. “Gulf Distributing has been a longstanding corporate citizen in our community since 1973, and we are thrilled to see the company continue to grow and thrive in our city.”
The relocation and new streamlined operation will facilitate continued growth for Gulf Distributing’s distribution territory.
“This really is a win-win for the City of Mobile and Gulf Distributing,” said Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson. “It’s wonderful to see such a prominent and beautiful building in our downtown being put back into use by a local company that has invested so much into the community. We are excited for Gulf Distributing, and we are proud to see the continued revitalization of Downtown Mobile.”
The $32.5 million project is expected to bring 25 new jobs and retain 220 existing jobs.
“The Mobile County Commission is thrilled to see Gulf Distributing, a model corporate citizen, continue to invest in Mobile County through its relocation to the former Press-Register building. This move will not only retain jobs but create new job opportunities and continue to strengthen the downtown business community,” said Mobile County Commission President Connie Hudson.
“Gulf Distributing’s strategic growth plans signal that the company remains bullish on Mobile, its home base for five decades, and the region’s long-term economic prospects,” said Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. “This development will have a positive impact for both Gulf Distributing and the Mobile region.”
The project was announced at the City of Mobile Industrial Development Board meeting on Thursday, January 5, 2023.
About Gulf Distributing Co. of Mobile
Gulf Distributing Co. of Mobile is a subsidiary of Gulf Distributing Holdings, LLC. Gulf Distributing Holdings was founded in Mobile, AL, in 1973 by Freida Maisel. Family-driven for fifty years, Gulf Distributing Holdings currently operates several distribution companies that service the entire state of Alabama, two regional areas in Mississippi, and the Florida panhandle. Gulf Distributing Holdings employs approximately 1200 people and represents over 100 local, regional, national, and global suppliers that include Molson Coors, Constellation, Red Bull, Heineken USA, Yuengling, Mark Anthony Brands, Boston Beer, Pabst, Diageo, Old Majestic, New Belgium Brewing, Abita, Singin’ River, Trim Tab, Asahi and many more. Additionally, Gulf has interests in beverage distributorships in Texas, Colorado, and soon-to-be Kentucky.