Hundreds of workers face sudden uncertainty after a major shake-up in Colorado’s beverage industry. A long-established distributor is preparing to shut down operations, leaving questions about what comes next for employees and customers alike.
More than 500 layoffs announced
Eagle Rock Distributing Company is set to lay off more than 500 employees in Colorado as the company winds down operations in the state. According to reports tied to a WARN notice filed with Colorado labor officials, the layoffs are expected to begin June 5, 2026, and impact workers across six facilities in Monument, Grand Junction, Loveland, Pueblo, Denver/Commerce City, and Durango.
The filing reportedly states that all Colorado-based jobs would be permanently eliminated, making it one of the larger recent layoff announcements in the region’s food and beverage distribution sector.
Asset sale tied to closure
The layoffs come after Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits announced an agreement to acquire all of Eagle Rock’s Colorado assets. Southern Glazer’s said the acquisition is part of a strategy to expand its footprint in the state and strengthen its beverage distribution network.
Colorado has been an important market for distributing major brands, including products from Anheuser-Busch such as Bud Light, Michelob ULTRA, and Stella Artois.
Confusion over future jobs
Despite the WARN filing, Southern Glazer’s has publicly stated that widespread closures and job losses do not reflect its plans. Company representatives issued a statement saying, “…our intention is to retain employees and continue operations”, creating uncertainty over how many current workers may ultimately keep their roles.
That mixed messaging has left many employees waiting for clearer answers as the summer transition approaches.
Support for affected workers
The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment said its Rapid Response team is helping impacted workers connect with workforce centers, coaching services, and job placement resources.
For Colorado’s beverage industry, the move signals another major consolidation as national distributors continue expanding through acquisitions.
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