City approves Southern Beverage design plans
RIDGELAND — A beverage distribution facility expected to bring 200 jobs received unanimous approval from city officials last week moving one step closer to the facility’s November 2022 target opening window.
“We are really excited,” Community development Director Alan Hart said about the Southern Beverage facility coming to the Highland Colony 220 Business Park at the intersection of South Maple and Hamilton Streets
The city board unanimously approved a site plan and architectural review for the building, 7-0 on the consent agenda, at last Tuesday’s regular board meeting.
Officials have said the 184,000 square foot modern distribution facility will be located at Highland Colony Parkway and will bring 200 jobs with an average annual wage of $48,000 to Madison County.
The item received little discussion, though Ridgeland Mayor Gene F. McGee has said he is thankful for the growth this facility will represent for the city.
“We are delighted that Southern Beverage Company chose Ridgeland as their newest Mississippi location,” McGee said. “We welcome them to our city and would like to express our gratitude for their investment in our community. The Highland Colony 220 Business Park is a prime location for businesses.”
Construction on the Ridgeland facility is anticipated to begin this summer with completion by November 2022.
Hart also noted that the new facility received unanimous approval from the Architectural Review Board at their Tuesday, May 25, meeting, the same day Southern Beverage and local officials announced the facility to the public.
Theo Costas Jr., owner and president of Southern Beverage Company, made the May 25 announcement in conjunction with the city and Madison County Economic Development Authority.
“This project helps us to better serve our customer demand,” Costas Jr. said at the time. “Through the years, Southern Beverage has strategically grown throughout Mississippi and this new facility helps position us for the future.”
According to a fact sheet supplied by Southern Beverage Company, the company began in 1939 with a warehouse in Jackson to become a distributor of Anheuser-Busch products. After opening their first warehouse in the capital city, Southern Beverage Company expanded to Laurel, Hattiesburg and Batesville with additional distribution centers. Today, the company employs 333 people in Mississippi, representing 47 suppliers and distributing 690 different beverage brands in 32 counties within the state.