Our 2026 Retailer of the Year:
GARFIELD’ S BEVERAGE
by KYLE SWARTZ
In an industry where longevity is hard-earned and generational succession is even rarer, Garfield’ s Beverage Warehouse stands as an exceptional success story. Founded in 1951 by Norman Garfield with a $ 4,000 investment and a single liquor store in suburban Chicago, the company has grown into one of the Midwest’ s most respected independent beverage alcohol retailers.
Today, three generations later, Garfield’ s operates locations throughout the Chicago metropolitan area and continues to expand while remaining family-owned and family-led. And for the second year in a row, they have earned the title of Beverage Dynamics 2026 Retailer of the Year.
While many family businesses never make it beyond their founder, only a small percentage successfully transition to a third generation of leadership. Garfield’ s has not only achieved that feat but has done so while maintaining steady growth, adapting to changing consumer trends and building a reputation for strong community connections.
Under the leadership of Bruce Garfield, who succeeded his father and helped transform a small collection of stores into a regional chain, the company embraced expansion. Today, Bruce works alongside his son David Garfield, whose leadership has helped fuel the company’ s modern era of growth, including a rebranding initiative that unified the chain under the Garfield’ s name, and a strategic expansion that nearly doubled its footprint over the past decade.
It’ s an impressive feat. From a single neighborhood liquor store to a multi-unit operation recognized as one of the nation’ s premier beverage alcohol retailers, Garfield’ s has demonstrated an ability to evolve without losing sight of its roots. Its commitment to family leadership, customer service and long-term investment in its communities has positioned the company as a model for independent retailers nationwide.
CONTINUED GROWTH
Garfield’ s continued its growth trajectory in 2025 with the opening of a new location in Naperville, IL. This store has proven to be an overperformer in the company’ s portfolio,
12 Beverage Dynamics • 2026 Top 100 Issue www. beveragedynamics. com