Brown Derby (liquor company)


The Brown Derby is a chain of liquor stores located in and around Springfield, Missouri. The first Brown Derby was opened in Springfield in 1937 by John A. Morris. The Brown Derby is famous for being the first retail location for fishing lures and other fishing accessories sold by John L. Morris, the son of the Brown Derby's founder, and the future proprietor of the Springfield-based Bass Pro Shops. John L. Morris began selling fishing and other outdoor products from an 8×8 ft section of his father's store and eventually incorporated Bass Pro Shops in 1972.

History

The first Brown Derby was opened in 1937 by John A. Morris, the father of John L. Morris, the creator and owner of the outdoor retail store chain Bass Pro Shop. The Brown Derby has grown to boast 18 locations in and around Springfield, Missouri, including the internationally acclaimed Brown Derby International Wine Center located at 2023 S. Glenstone in Springfield.

International Wine Center

The Brown Derby International Wine Center was opened in 1969, but started to gain international renown after Ron Junge, the son-in-law of founder John A. Morris joined the business in 1971. Now, over three decades later, Ron Junge, along with his son-in-law Brad Feuerbacher and knowledgeable cellarmaster Scott Gargus have established the Brown Derby International Wine Center as one of America's top 10 wine retailers. The Brown Derby International Wine Center boasts a temperature and humidity controlled wine cellar, which houses over 70,000 bottles of wine that date back to the late 1800s. In addition to wine, the Brown Derby International Wine Center hosts an extensive range of beers, various crafts including scented candles and hand soaps, plus a deli section, which includes a comprehensive selection of international cheeses.

Awards and recognition