Crew Supply Co.® was founded in 2019 by Marine Corps veterans and friends Marshall Sterling and Kyle McElfresh. After years of working in bars and restaurants, they became frustrated with ineffective and single-use equipment. They wanted to redefine the standard for professional bar supplies by building a brand that focuses on craftsmanship, intentional customer relationships, and sustainable practices.
Armed with a signature mix of military precision and industry insight, Crew Supply Co.® quickly established itself as a trusted partner in the food and beverage industry. "We set out to create solutions that speak directly to the needs of industry professionals," Marshall explained. "Our experience in bars made us acutely aware of the pain points, and we were determined to address them."
Just months into their launch, COVID-19 forced Crew Supply Co.® to shake up their B2B business by extending their product line to Crew®, a brand designed for home bartenders, featuring remarkably simple cocktail kits. This unexpected twist proved to be a pivotal growth moment for Crew Supply Co.® and they emerged from the pandemic with two distinct verticals and growing inventory demands.
Tall orders and inventory challenges
As the hospitality industry bounced back, Crew Supply Co.® needed to quickly increase their production capabilities. New partnerships with hospitality groups like Marriott, Hilton & PF Chang’s meant they needed to scale their inventory fast! “We probably didn’t have six weeks to go through a review for funding approval.” Marshall noted.
"Shopify Capital was perfect, offering quick access to funds and a straightforward repayment process."
A recipe for sustained success
Since their initial funding round in 2020, Crew Supply Co.® has used Shopify Capital multiple times to drive key business initiatives.
"Every time we used Shopify Capital, it allowed us to seize new opportunities and keep up with market demands."
From hiring top talent to patented product innovations and launching the Garny brand of premium garnishes and bar supplies, Shopify Capital gave Crew Supply Co.® the runway to grow quickly and thoughtfully. "It’s been integral in allowing us to explore new markets and expand internationally."
Looking ahead, Crew Supply Co.® has ambitious plans to continue its growth trajectory with upcoming ad campaigns slated for YouTube and Hulu, and an expanding team driving product innovation. The company has grown 48% year over year, a testament to their adaptability, vision, and strategic use of funding through Shopify Capital.
Available in select countries. All financing through Shopify Capital is issued by WebBank in the United States. Offers to apply do not guarantee financing. Shopify Capital loans are repaid based on a percentage of daily sales. The maximum repayment term is 18 months, and 2 minimum payments apply. The actual time period within which the loan is repaid may be less than 18 months. Results may vary for every merchant.
