The Lipman Brothers
Harry Lipman founded the Franklin Distributing Co. in Franklin, KY. This liquor and wine distribution company was established at the repeal of national prohibition prior to the repeal of prohibition in other Southern states. His younger brother, Meyer, joined him in the operation.
Tennessee Beginnings
The state of Tennessee repeals prohibition. Harry and Meyer relocate their business to Nashville. Lipman Brothers – now the official name of the company – received its wholesale liquor license, Tennessee State Permit No. 1, which it still operates under today.
Nashville Roots
The original location was at 208 2nd Avenue South, the area now known as “SoBro” in the heart of downtown Nashville, across from Ascend Amphitheater. At the time, that area was called Merchants Row, home to many warehouses and distributors. Harry, a tough but fair businessman, and his younger brother Meyer, who called on accounts and oversaw sales, managed about a dozen employees.
Building Brands
Lipman Brothers was the first distributor of Jack Daniel’s after the repeal of prohibition. Some of the other first suppliers include Glenmore Distilling Co., Bacardi, and Fleischmann’s.
Nashville’s Floods Lead to Relocation
The Cumberland River near Nashville’s 2nd Avenue would frequently flood, so the Lipman Brothers decided to relocate the business. They purchased the property on the highest ground within Nashville city limits at 299 Hermitage Avenue – less than ½ mile away – for their new company headquarters.
Next Generation
Harry’s son, Norman, enters the family business. A hard-working, kind man, Norman was a generous humanitarian and a nationally recognized leader in the wine and spirits industry.
Breaking Barriers
States approve the sale of liquor by the drink. Lipman Brothers expands to a new facility at 299 Hermitage Avenue. Harry Lipman retires and his son, Norman, acquires his father’s interest.
California Wines Emerge in Tennessee
Lipman Brothers establishes a separate wine division. Spurred by Robert’s observations in California wine country, along with the imminent growth of the boutique wine business, Lipman Brothers begins distributing brands including: Beaulieu Vineyards, Grgich, Beringer, Chapellet, Sutter Home, Clos du Val, David Bruce, and Kendall Jackson.
Leaving a Legacy
Norman Lipman, who served as Lipman Brothers’ Executive Vice President from 1961-1982, passes at age 54. He was a founder of l’Eté du Vin and a vigorous supporter of this international event which has, since its inception in 1980, raised more than $20 million for organizations whose purpose is directly related to treatment, patient care and the eradication of cancer. In his honor, the Norman M. Lipman Award was established as tribute to Lipman and the humanitarian qualities of wisdom, courage, optimism, commitment, and integrity that he embodied.
Third Generation Takes the Reigns
Carrying on the legacy of his grandfather, Harry, and his father, Norman, Robert S. Lipman purchases the family business and becomes the sole owner.
Beer And Other Business
A separate entity – R.S. Lipman – was founded for the company to expand into the non-alcoholic and beer sectors of distribution. Lipman Brothers was limited to distributing only wine and spirits. Lipman pursued an opportunity to get into the “new age beverage” category (as it was called at the time) to distribute products such as Snapple and Arizona Iced Tea. Under the new company, R.S. Lipman could now also distribute beer and other beverages including Mountain Valley Water.
On the Move
Lipman Brothers relocates to 411 Great Circle Road, in an area known as Metro Center on a 15-acre tract of land.
New Territory
Lipman’s distribution area expands into the Chattanooga Region to include 50 of the state’s 95 counties.
Acquisition of Tennessee Wine & Spirits
Lipman Brothers acquires one of the state’s early distributors, Tennessee Wine & Spirits Company, after entering into an agreement whereby Tennessee Wine, though maintaining its separate identity, became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lipman Brothers.
Continued Expansion in East Tennessee
Lipman’s distribution area expands into the Knoxville Region to include 74 of the state’s 95 counties.
Wine in Tennessee Grocery Stores
On July 1, 2016, law changes in Tennessee enables liquor/wine wholesalers to broaden their product distribution portfolio, most notably to include beer. In addition, grocery stores gained the right to sell wine.
New Corporate Headquarters
The Lipman Companies restructure and move to a 375,000 square foot building at 2815 Brick Church Pike in the Skyline Park district. The new headquarters is built with state of the art material and includes advanced temperature-controlled spaces for wine and beer – not to mention, comes with a spectacular view of the growing Nashville skyline.
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