It’s a transition day at Surfside headquarters in Kensington, as employees get ready to move to a new 10,000-square-foot space in Trevose. The company packed up while leaving behind remnants of their vibrant past at the original office, including an old mini fridge and a nearly empty whiteboard with brainstorming ideas. With 227 employees, the surge follows an explosive growth trajectory for Surfside, which broke into the market with its canned vodka-infused iced tea in early 2022. What started as a modest venture became a nationwide sensation, leading to a stunning demand that far exceeded initial projections.

The trajectory of Surfside has been astronomical since its inception. They manufactured 200,000 cases in their first year, skyrocketing to 1.3 million the following year, and an astronomical 4.9 million just two years post-launch, marking them as the fastest-growing alcohol brand in the U.S. with remarkable annual growth of 378%. Surfside’s distribution now spans all 50 states and further reaches into the Caribbean.

Initially, the founding brothers, Clement and Zach Pappas and Matt and Bryan Quigley, planned for a 40,000-square foot facility to house production and distribution. However, as sales soared, it became clear that this would not suffice. Hence, they decided to maintain operations at their distillery and vodka bar while developing a new warehouse and distribution center for Surfside.

The journey of Stateside, Surfside’s parent company, started in 2013 with a makeshift distillation setup in a basement, growing steadily to a spacious and sophisticated distillery today. The foundational drive for creating Surfside stemmed from an intuitive observation about consumer trends, steering clear of carbonation and focusing on low-sugar options to cater to a health-conscious demographic. This strategic choice, combined with nimble production capabilities, propelled Surfside into the spotlight.

A critical breakthrough came when sports collaborations bolstered their visibility. The Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl win and associated marketing efforts drove Surfside further into the public eye as fans celebrated with the brand. Their colorful branding, unique product offerings, and the ability to tap into local culture and trends established Surfside not just as another option but as a lifestyle choice among consumers, capturing attention across various venues, including major sports events.

Pappas and Quigley’s ambition doesn’t appear to wane despite past records of beverage brands that faded after initial success. They are keenly aware of upcoming trends while navigating through various seasonal demands and haven’t shied away from addressing challenges head-on. Their commitment is reflected in expanding partnerships with educational institutions and increasing production to meet surging demand. With plans for broader distribution and an ever-expanding flavor lineup, Surfside seems poised to maintain momentum.

As they settle into their new digs and strategize for the future, one thing is clear: the energy and vision driving Surfside forward are formidable. The team is eager to sustain and grow their market share in an ever-evolving landscape, transforming recognition into dominance. Surfside has not only made a mark but is on the radar to redefine the ready-to-drink category for the long haul.

For more information, visit Surfside and Stateside Vodka.