In 1937, Birmingham Beverage Company (the future AlaBev) officially entered the alcoholic beverage distribution business with the Joseph Schlitz Brewing Company as its primary supplier. This landmark partnership marked the beginning of a legacy that would grow from a local operation into one of Alabama's premier beverage distributors.

After serving in the Pacific theatre aboard the USS Osage during World War II, Sergei Kampakis returned home and began laying the groundwork for what would become a multi-generational family business and a cornerstone of Alabama's beverage industry starting out working for his Uncle Sam Nakos, a Pabst and Sterling Beer distributor in Birmingham. He also married the love of his life, Georgia, the daughter of a Produce Importer and a Miller Beer distributor in Charleston South Carolina, Peter Leventis.

In 1979, AlaBev expanded its distribution footprint into the City of Tuscaloosa, marking a significant milestone in the company's continued growth across Alabama. This strategic expansion strengthened AlaBev's market presence and laid the foundation for future opportunities throughout the state. Shortly thereafter, AlaBev introduced Stroh's Bohemian to the Alabama market, further enhancing its portfolio and bringing a celebrated American beer brand to consumers across the region.

In 1980, AlaBev made history by importing the first beer into the State of Alabama, introducing Beck's Bier from Bremen, Germany. This landmark achievement expanded the state's beverage offerings and demonstrated AlaBev's commitment to bringing world-class brands to Alabama consumers.

In 1983, AlaBev celebrated a landmark achievement as the first legal Coors Banquet beer was poured in Alabama. The historic event was attended by Bill, Joe, and Pete Coors, along with Birmingham Mayor Richard Arrington, marking the official introduction of the legendary Coors brand to the state.

Following the passing of Sergei Kampakis, the stewardship of AlaBev was entrusted to his son, Harry Kampakis. As the second generation of family leadership, Harry carried forward his father's legacy, guiding the company into its next chapter while continuing its tradition of excellence in beverage distribution.

In 2005, a pivotal meeting took place between AlaBev owner Harry Kampakis and Danner Kline, who would later become the founder of the grassroots organization Free the Hops. Their discussion centered on the future of Alabama's beer industry and helped lay the groundwork for efforts that would eventually expand consumer access to a wider variety of craft and specialty beers throughout the state.

Free the Hops achieved a historic victory when legislation was passed allowing beer with an alcohol content of up to 13.9% ABV to be legally sold in Alabama. Throughout the campaign, AlaBev stood alone as the only beer wholesaler to support the movement, playing a pivotal role in advancing consumer choice and helping modernize Alabama's beer laws!

AlaBev reached a historic milestone in 2014 by expanding operations to serve the entire State of Alabama. This statewide footprint was further strengthened with the opening of a Huntsville distribution facility in 2015, followed by additional warehouses in Mobile in 2016 and Dothan in 2017. Together, these strategic investments created a comprehensive distribution network capable of efficiently serving customers throughout Alabama.

In 2015, AlaBev welcomed the fourth generation of family into the industry. More than a century after the family’s business roots were established, the continued involvement of the fourth generation reinforces AlaBev’s commitment to remaining a family owned and operated company while carrying forward the legacy built by the generations that followed.