Nick Fede Jr., Executive Director, Rhode Island Liquor Operators Collaborative.
By Nick Fede, Jr., Director, Rhode Island Liquor Operators Collaborative
For independent beverage alcohol retailers, advocacy is not optional — it is essential. That message rang loud and clear at the 2026 Annual Meeting of American Beverage Licensees (ABL), held April 18–20 in Louisville. Retailers, suppliers, wholesalers, technology partners, and industry leaders from across the country gathered to discuss the future of our industry and the challenges facing Main Street beverage licensees in an increasingly complex marketplace.
Throughout the conference, attendees participated in educational sessions and discussions focused on the evolving retail environment, emerging technologies, public policy issues, and changing consumer trends. Industry leaders from all three tiers shared insight into the pressures facing beverage alcohol businesses nationwide, from competition and regulatory challenges to the rapid expansion of intoxicating THC products and the growing importance of technology and data-driven retailing.
One of the strongest themes throughout the conference was leadership — particularly the leadership shown by those who have dedicated years to strengthening ABL and protecting independent retailers nationwide. The organization continues to benefit from the tireless work and vision of past presidents including Bobby Greenawalt, Warren Scheidt, David Jabour, and JJ Moran.
During Bobby Greenawalt’s term, ABL continued to elevate its national presence during one of the most rapidly changing periods our industry has faced. Greenawalt consistently emphasized unity between on-premise and off-premise licensees while reinforcing the importance of advocacy at every level of government. His commitment to relationship-building and coalition work strengthened ABL’s voice nationally and helped position independent retailers as an indispensable part of the American economy.
This year’s meeting also carried special meaning for the Rhode Island delegation. Richard “Rippy” Serra was honored posthumously as Rhode Island’s ABL Retailer of the Year, recognizing his longstanding contributions to the beverage alcohol industry and the independent retail community. His sons, Bryan Serra and Nathan Serra, proudly accepted the award on his behalf in a moving moment that reflected the deep family traditions that continue to define independent beverage retailing across the country.
Nayan Patel of Paul’s Liquor Mart; Ron Wall, Niki Wall, Haley Serra, Bryan Serra, and Nathan Serra of Rippy’s Liquor and Marketplace; Frank Rego of Ferreira’s Package; Nick Fede Jr. of RILOC; John Callaghan of Bellevue Wine & Spirits during the 2026 Annual Meeting of American Beverage Licensees in Louisville, Kentucky.
Rhode Island was exceptionally well represented throughout the conference, with members and representatives from Rippy’s Liquor and Marketplace, Kingstown Liquor Mart, Paul’s Liquor Mart, Bellevue Wine & Spirits, and Ferreira’s Wine & Spirits all participating in the meeting and contributing to important conversations surrounding advocacy and the future of the industry. In another proud moment for Rhode Island, Frank Rego of Ferreira’s Wine & Spirits was officially welcomed onto the ABL Board, further strengthening Rhode Island’s voice within the national organization.
One of the most important takeaways from this year’s meeting was the recognition that independent retailers continue to adapt and innovate while remaining deeply rooted in their local communities. Beverage licensees are not faceless corporations — they are family-owned businesses that employ local residents, support charitable causes, and serve as economic anchors in towns and cities across America.
The conference featured presentations from leaders at Sazerac Company, discussions surrounding payment policy and marketplace competition, and thoughtful conversations about the future of spirits and beverage alcohol regulation. Industry experts also addressed the ongoing concerns surrounding intoxicating hemp-derived THC products and the importance of establishing clear regulatory frameworks that prioritize public safety and accountability.
Beyond the educational programming, the ABL Annual Meeting showcased the importance of relationship-building within the industry. Retailers were exposed to a wide range of products during the ABL Brand Showcase and participated in off-site tours and tastings at Buffalo Trace Distillery, Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, and Rabbit Hole Distillery. These experiences highlighted not only the heritage of American whiskey, but also the interconnected nature of the three-tier system and the partnerships that sustain it.
During the meeting, ABL also recognized leaders who have made meaningful contributions to the beverage alcohol industry and to the organization itself. One of the highlights was the presentation of the ABL Top Shelf Award to Jim Beam Master Distiller Fred Noe III for his tremendous impact on the bourbon industry and his dedication to preserving a proud family legacy.
I was deeply honored to be elected President of American Beverage Licensees by my peers from across the country. My family has spent more than 50 years advocating for independent beverage licensees, and I take that responsibility seriously. As I begin this new role, I remain committed to protecting the integrity of the three-tier system, defending independent retailers, and ensuring that future generations of locally owned beverage licensees continue to have the opportunity to succeed.
The challenges facing our industry are real, but so is our resolve. The 2026 ABL Annual Meeting demonstrated that when retailers, wholesalers, suppliers, and industry partners work together, we are far stronger than any challenge before us. Advocacy can only exist if it is invested in, and organizations like ABL continue to prove why that investment matters.
Nick Fede Jr. serves as RILOC’s Executive Director, American Beverage Licensees’ Vice President (Off-Premise) and is a third-generation liquor retailer.
