Sources close to the sale, informed MyrtleBeachSC News today that Myrtle Beach Mayor, Brenda Bethune sold the Myrtle Beach Better Brands, Anheuser-Busch distributorship.
The franchise sold for $142 million. Southern Crown Partners, LLC, 1600 Charleston Regional Pkwy in Charleston, S.C. purchased the business.
Anheuser-Busch is the world’s largest beer company. Sources state that Bethune and her partner Mike Riley sold the business only, but did not sell the land nor the buildings that the business operated from.
The Better Brands website states the company sells over 4 million cases of beer annually.
Mayor Bethune served as President/Chairman of the Board and majority owner according to information found on the Better Brands website. * Sources tell us however, that her partner, Mike Riley, actually owned 51% of the company.
Mike Riley, Chief Executive Officer, also was a key owner in the company. Riley wished to remain as an owner of the company, however, the new buyers chose to go in a different direction.
The 58 year old Bethune was first elected Myrtle Beach Mayor in 2017 and then re-elected in 2021. Bethune’s current term continues through January 2026.