The store’ s history is rooted in military service and family tradition. Vern’ s Retail Liquor was purchased in 1993 by founder Vern Rosenow, a U. S. Navy veteran. In 2008, ownership transitioned to his son, Aaron, a U. S. Marine Corps veteran, making the business a second-generation veteran-owned operation. Today, Vern’ s remains the only veteran-owned liquor store in Topeka.

Through the years, the business has demonstrated a commitment to growth and reinvention. Since 2007, the company has relocated twice, before ultimately purchasing the land and constructing the building it now calls home. That longterm investment has provided a foundation for continued success in an increasingly competitive and evolving marketplace.

One of the key factors behind the store’ s performance in 2026 has been its willingness to embrace emerging product categories. THC products have attracted new customers, and generated interest among existing patrons looking for alternative options.

“ We started carrying a different mix of THC drinks and gummies last year; that got some traction,” Aaron says.“ Even with the overstepping of the Kansas AG and director of the KBI threating to take those products off the shelves of liquor stores.”

The category continues to evolve amid ongoing regulatory uncertainty. Kansas retailers are closely watching those developments at the state level, and federally, as lawmakers debate the future of hemp-derived products and potential changes related to the 2018 Farm Bill.

Changing consumer preferences have become increasingly apparent in recent years. Among the most notable trends has been growing demand for non-alcoholic beverages and specialty products.

“ We have seen an uptick in N / A beers and gluten-free beers,” Aaron says.“ With both of those categories having more options, we have made space for even more choices.”

Marketing has also played a role in the company’ s success. Vern’ s maintains an active

presence on social media, particularly through Facebook, where it promotes weekly flash sales that run from Friday through Sunday. The retailer also engages customers through its website and mobile app, creating multiple touchpoints that help drive traffic and strengthen customer loyalty.

Beyond business operations, Vern’ s Retail Liquor remains deeply connected to the Topeka community. The company is a member of the Greater Topeka Partnership, while Aaron serves as president of the Kansas Association of Beverage Retailers, and is involved with the Kansas Association of Responsible Liquor Laws. The business also supports numerous local organizations and charitable causes, including the Ronald McDonald House, the Topeka Symphony and several other community initiatives.

Looking ahead to 2027, Aaron expects continued change across the beverage industry. The future of THC products, evolving regulations, and shifting consumer preferences will all play significant roles in shaping the market.

“ 2027 will be interesting, with THC being a big talking point in the industry and in government,” Aaron says.“ We’ ll have to see what customer trends push the market so we can try to adapt our inventory or marketing needs.”

That adaptability, combined with strong community ties and decades of industry experience, positions Vern’ s Retail Liquor well for continued success in the years ahead.

www. beveragedynamics. com 2026 Top 100 Issue • Beverage Dynamics 17