A Classic Family-Owned
Bottling Company
For over 100 years, Decatur Coca-Cola Bottling Company has spread countless moments of happiness and refreshment to the people of North Alabama, and as one of the few remaining family-owned Coca-Cola Bottlers in the United States, we promise to continue sharing the magic of Coke with new generations.
Refreshing Moments
1898
Buchheit’s Bottling Works purchases a building on 4th Avenue from Pabst Brewing Company. This building would become the future location of Decatur Coca-Cola Bottling Company.
1900
Coca-Cola begins to sell the rights to bottle their product, and T.Z. Buchheit of Buchheit’s Bottling Works procures the rights to bottle and distribute Coca-Cola in Morgan and Lawrence County.
1917
T.Z. Buchheit passes away, and his wife Mrs. Buchheit sells the shares of Buchheit’s Bottling Works to H.N. Young, a Coca-Cola investor in Corinth, Mississippi, and J.F. Chambers, the owner of the Coca-Cola bottler in Huntsville, Alabama. With this merger, Buchheit’s Bottling Works becomes Coca-Cola Bottling Works.
1923
L.R. Nash, an accountant for Coca-Cola Bottling Works of Corinth, Mississippi, turns down an opportunity to oversee the operations of a bottling facility in Decatur, Alabama, instead offering to purchase the company. His bold proposal is accepted, and with a loan from New Commerce Bank of New Albany, Mississippi, L.R. purchases Coca-Cola Bottling Works of Decatur. L.R. and his wife Ruby and their daughters Martha and Margaret move to Decatur, Alabama.
1932
L.R. Nash serves as the president and owner of Decatur Coca-Cola Bottling Company until his passing in 1932. Upon his death, his wife Ruby takes over operations, and under her leadership, the company continues to prosper.
1955
With increased sales and demand, Decatur Coca-Cola Bottling Company expands their operations and opens a modern, spacious facility on 6th Avenue.
2023
Decatur Coca-Cola Bottling Company celebrates over 100 years and four generations of family ownership and operations, continuing a refreshing legacy of spreading happiness and smiles to communities across North Alabama.