90 Years of Banko Beverage Co.
Serving the Best Since 1933
Banko Beverage Co. has been serving up the finest beverages for over 90 years, standing as a pillar in Allentown, Pennsylvania since 1933. From our humble beginnings during the Prohibition Era, we’ve grown to distribute to over 1,000 restaurants, bars, and distributors across 10 counties in the Greater Lehigh Valley.
The one thing that hasn’t changed? Our unwavering commitment to top-tier service and premium products. The story of Banko is more than just history—it’s about relationships, evolution, and never settling for anything less than the best.
Our Legacy, Rooted in Prohibition
In a time when alcohol was outlawed, Frank Banko Sr. laid the foundation for something remarkable. Initially a soda distributor, Banko Beverage Co. pivoted with the repeal of Prohibition in 1933, making its foray into the beer industry. Our first offering? Schaefer Beer. With that first sip, we began building loyal partnerships that have lasted generations. What began with one brew has grown into a vast catalog featuring everything from local favorites to world-renowned brands.
Growth Fueled by Great Partnerships
Frank Banko Sr.'s legacy was passed down to his son, Frank Banko Jr., in 1937, who spearheaded a new era of growth, striking deals with both big names and craft producers. Among our many key milestones:
- Partnering with Miller Brewing Company in 1969, and later introducing Miller Lite in 1975.
- Adding Genesee Ale in 1980 and Yuengling in 1988.
Today, we proudly carry brands like Molson, Pabst, Heineken, Guinness, Stella, and more. Our offerings continue to evolve with trends, bringing our customers the best in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. From domestic and imported beers to ciders, hard seltzers, sodas, and energy drinks—if it’s worth drinking, you’ll find it here.
Expansion to Match Demand
By 2017, it was clear that growth wasn’t just an ambition, it was a reality. We made two significant investments to keep up with increasing demand and provide the best service possible.
- New Corporate Offices: We upgraded our space to provide our team with the tools and resources to continue serving the region’s top establishments with excellence. Our leadership team, sales force, operations, and customer service professionals work hand-in-hand to keep operations smooth and customer satisfaction high.
- Larger, Temperature-Controlled Warehouse: To accommodate our ever-expanding product lineup, we launched a state-of-the-art, temperature-controlled warehouse in Allentown. This facility allows us to maintain the integrity of every product we distribute—whether it’s craft beer or cold-brew coffee. As a full-beverage enterprise, we’re ready to meet every need.
Still Family-Owned, Still Focused on You
At Banko Beverage Co., we remain proudly family-owned, now led by Tony Gallo, the great-grandson of founder Frank Banko Sr. With over 90 years of tradition and excellence, Tony brings a modern vision while upholding our deep-rooted commitment to quality service.
With over 75 dedicated employees, many of whom are multi-generational, embody the spirit of Banko. We’re more than a business—we’re a family. If you're ready to be part of a legacy built on integrity and growth, join the Banko team today.