1946

In 1946 John “Chink” Donnelly and T. Howard White founded Athens Distributing Company of Tennessee. Already in the alcohol distribution business as a sales rep, Chink was approached by Hiram Walker to start his own wholesale house and take their products with him. He teamed up with Howard who would use his experience as Vice President of Third National Bank to run the inside of the business.

1946

The two men took a train to Detroit, Michigan, the home office of Hiram Walker Distillery and the deal was made on October 1st

1946

What was now a business partnership had started years earlier when Chink and Howard married sisters Reedy and Eloise. Family has always been at the heart of Athens Distributing Company. In its 4th generation of family ownership the current owners are direct descendants of the Donnelly and White families.

1946

In 1946, with that one supplier, the first office and warehouse opened on Church Street in Downtown Nashville with 15 employees and 2,000 square feet. Today, after four expansions around the city, Athens Distributing Company of Nashville encompasses 110,000 square feet and employs 115 people. The company enjoys a partnership with over 500 different suppliers including the original, Hiram Walker.

1946

The new company’s first brand was Imperial blended whiskey – soon after, came brands such as Canadian Club and Ten High Bourbon.

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1947

In 1947 Athens began its partnership with Brown Forman Distillers.

1947