Beer distributor seen as Surprise's largest employer

When people consume less alcohol they often "trade up" when ordering drinks, says Crescent Crown Distributing President James Moffett Jr.

That paradigm has helped the beverage supplier rapidly grow Little Guy Distributing, a division of its company that ships exotic, specialty and craft beers. Little Guy's growth is partly responsible for Crescent Crown's decision to open a West Valley distribution center in Surprise by spring 2009.

The plant is expected to become Surprise's largest private employer.

As construction progressed on the new Crescent Crown facility this fall, Little Guy won an award at the Great American Beer Festival in Denver for excellence in the craft beer category.

Beer trade associations honored the division for its online promotion of craft beers. Some of those Web features include an interactive guide on how to become a "beer connoisseur," as well as a video about food pairings and proper glassware for craft beers.

To browse the features, visit www.littleguydistributing.com.

Once up and running, Crescent Crown's facility is expected to supply MillerCoors products for University of Phoenix Stadium, Westgate City Center and Jobing.com Arena.

Little Guy would supply several bars and restaurants with lesser-known craft beers, as well as big-box beverage retailer Total Wine & More in Glendale.

Crescent Crown Distributing's Surprise distribution facility is on track for a March 2009 opening.

THE STORY

New Orleans-based beverage supplier Crescent Crown Distributing in summer 2007 announced plans to open a distribution center in Surprise. Those plans have not been altered despite an ailing economy. "We are still bullish on the West side and feel that is where the growth will end up over the next 10 years," said Vice President of Operations Rich Marchant.

WHAT'S NEW?

Work continues on the company's 150,000-square-foot distribution center near Litchfield and Waddell roads. "The shell of the building is complete. Right now we are doing interior work and finishing up landscaping," Marchant said. The property has room for a 250,000-square-foot facility at build-out and is located along the BNSF Railway tracks for shipping access.

JOBS COMING

The company will transfer about 250 employees from its central Phoenix plant to the Surprise location and expects to make 20 to 30 new hires after Jan. 1, Marchant said. Crescent Crown projects it will employ up to 500 at the Surprise plant within a few years. That figure puts it on track to become the city's largest private employer, according to city staff.For future employment information, visit the company's Web site at www.ccdaz.com.

Harold Sleeman, division manager of Crescent Crown Distributing, stands near stacks and stacks of cans, bottles and kegs of beer.