Alcohol Distributor RNDC to Lay Off Over 1700 in California Exit - Modern Distribution Management

Alcohol Distributor RNDC to Lay Off Over 1700 in California Exit

Republic National Distributing Co. is shutting down its California operations and cutting 1,756 jobs across statewide locations following recent supplier departures.
RNDC

After announcing in early June that the company would close and exit operations in California, Republic National Distributing Co. shared the layoff impact it will have at specific locations across the Golden State.

In Worker Adjustment Retraining Act (WARN) notices filed July 1, the Grand Prairie, TX-based wine and spirits distributor RNDC shared it is cutting 1,756 jobs in California and shutting down its statewide operations on Sept. 2. The largest cuts include 878 positions in Tustin and Chino, with most in Tustin across two warehouses.

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RNDC listed affected roles including Teamsters drivers, sales representatives, credit and collections staff, accountants, clerks, pricing analysts, HR personnel and a senior vice president.

Another 392 layoffs are planned in San Diego, Commerce and Sacramento, affecting employees at Young’s Market Co. LLC — a distributor RNDC acquired in 2022.

Since early 2025, RNDC has lost several major brands, including Tito’s, High Noon, Cutwater and Jack Daniel’s to rival distributors, such as Brown-Forman. The departures coincided with a change in California law that made it easier for beer wholesalers to sell liquor and with RNDC’s efforts to grow its portfolio.

“This decision was driven by rising operational costs, industry headwinds and supplier changes that made the market unsustainable,” CEO Bob Hendrickson said in a June 5 news release. “It’s important to emphasize this is not a reflection of our California team’s performance or dedication, and we thank them for all they’ve done over the years. We are committed to supporting all impacted associates with respect and care throughout the transition.”

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In May, RNDC announced a reinvestment in its Texas operations, including the creation of more than 100 new roles across key functions.

Former RNDC Chief Financial Officer Nick Mehall was promoted to President and CEO on Feb. 1 of this year, succeeding Tom Cole. On July 16, the company announced that Gabe Ibáñez is now its Chief Supply Chain Officer after serving as VP of Field Operations for the past two years out of Tustin, CA.

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