Beverage Dynamics

Beverage Dynamics Jan-Feb 2016

Beverage Dynamics is the largest national business magazine devoted exclusively to the needs of off-premise beverage alcohol retailers, from single liquor stores to big box chains, through coverage of the latest trends in wine, beer and spirits.

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He spent his youth working in various shops. At one job, he delivered beer barrels to a local brewery, lending an early insight into the alcohol business. But for Joseph to realize his American dream of self-employment, it fi rst took a return to Italy. He traveled back to his country of birth for a childhood friend's wedding. There, Joseph met his future wife. He and Frances later married and returned to America, where she en- couraged her husband to reach for his goals. "She told my great grandfather to bet on himself," Ed says. "She gave him that push." And from Frances' encour- agement was born a legacy. The couple chose to open Peco's Liquors on Route 13 in Wilm- ington. This spot was well situated between Baltimore, Washing- ton D.C. and Philadelphia. Joseph and Frances must have had a good eye for location. In June, Peco's will celebrate 80 years at that same address. A Family Heirloom PECO'S HISTORY SPANS EIGHT DECADES AND FOUR GENERATIONS. By Kyle Swartz Eighty years after opening, Peco's Liquors maintains a homey feel. The Wilmington, Delaware business has been a family en- terprise from the beginning. And it is built into the former home of its founders, Joseph and Frances Peco. "The employee break room used to be my great grandparents' kitchen," says Ed Mulvihill, a fourth-generation owner. It's a fi tting metaphor. The business opened in 1936 as a storefront extending off the Pecos' house. During the decades, the retailer has expanded, and survived setbacks — including fi re and corporate competition — thanks to loyal employees, cus- tomers and family members who've carried on Peco traditions of determination, community spirit and innovation. T H E A M E R I C A N D R E A M The history of Peco's refl ects the America dream. Joseph Peco emigrated from Italy into the U.S. in 1906. He was fi fteen years old. Like so many immigrants, he sought opportunities for a better life. 40 Joseph Peco (Founder; Deceased) Frances Peco (Co-owner; Deceased) Rita Peco Gazzillo (Owner; Deceased) Frank Gazzillo (Manager; Deceased) Francine Mulvihill (Co-Owner) Ed Mulvihill (Co-Owner) PECO'S Family Tree Peco's Liquor Fast Facts LOCATION: Wilmington, DE FOUNDED: 1936 FOUNDER: Joseph Peco SELECTION: Craft beer specialty with built-in growler bar

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