HISTORY | Venetian Soda Lounge

The Venetian Beverages and Ginger Ale History

A Time of Change and Opportunity

The story of Venetian Beverages begins in a time of upheaval and opportunity. As the world shifted dramatically at the turn of the 20th century, Vermont, like much of the United States, became a beacon for those seeking a fresh start. Michael C. Dorn, a Jewish immigrant from Europe, found his way to Burlington—a bustling, industrious city nestled on the shores of Lake Champlain. The promise of freedom, opportunity, and a better life in a small but thriving community drew many like him to Vermont. Amidst global uncertainty, war, and economic turmoil, it was a place where hard work could still build something great.

As the world grappled with the impact of World War I, the Roaring Twenties brought prohibition to the United States, creating a perfect storm for bold entrepreneurs. It was during this tumultuous time that Michael C. Dorn founded Venetian Beverages in 1917. What began as a simple soda company would go on to navigate through the wild days of Prohibition, the economic challenges of the Great Depression, and the manufacturing consolidations of World War II—always adapting, always evolving under the leadership of the Dorn family.

Venetian Beverages: A Family Legacy of Rebellion and Reinvention

Venetian Beverages kicked off its tale in Burlington, Vermont, when Michael C. Dorn turned his restaurant hustle into a soda empire in 1917. Over the decades, the company passed through the hands of three generations of the Dorn family, each leaving their own mark through times of prosperity, challenges, and change. Today, Venetian Beverages is back on the map under the savvy leadership of Justin Bunnell, Michael’s great-great-grandson. Justin has not only revived the family legacy but has also opened the Venetian Soda Lounge in the very building where it all began, now owned by Steve Conant of Conant Metal and Light fame. Justin’s goal is to expand and restore the brand to its original glory, blending history with modern innovation to once again bring joy to those who seek unique, all-natural beverages.

A Smuggling History—Allegedly

Rumor has it that the Dorn boys weren’t just slinging soda. In the 1920s, during Prohibition, Venetian was more than just a beverage brand; it was a secret operation with ties to the underground, allegedly running whiskey from Canada straight down to major cities like Boston, Atlantic City, and New York City. The Pine Street plant in Burlington became the perfect base for these operations, and the Dorn family didn’t just make drinks—they made waves, hosting underground parties that drew big names and added to their notorious reputation. Venetian was more than just a soda; it was a symbol of rebellion, community, and a good time.

Venetian Brand Presidents

Michael Charles Dorn (1871 - 1934)

Michael C. Dorn, the visionary founder, was an immigrant who first made his name in Burlington as a restaurateur. As the world emerged from World War I, Michael seized the opportunity to create Venetian Ginger Ale, launching his manufacturing plant in 1917. Through the 1920s, as Prohibition swept the nation, the Dorn family’s soda plant became a hub of alleged bootlegging activity, setting the stage for a legacy of both business and intrigue.

Frank Charles Dorn (1934 - 1950)

When Frank Dorn took over after Michael’s death, he began steering the company toward a new path. As the country dealt with the Great Depression and the onset of World War II, Frank saw the potential in contract manufacturing, and beverage distribution, shifting the company from its family labels to co-packing and distrobution for larger brands. This strategic move kept the bottling lines busy and laid the foundation for future growth, ensuring Venetian’s survival during challenging times.

Paul Clement Dorn (1950 - 1968)

Paul Dorn took the reins during the post-war boom, solidifying the company’s role as a major contract manufacturer and distributor. Under his leadership, the business became a thriving operation focused on bottling for big-name brands, ensuring steady growth and profitability. Although the Venetian label was sidelined, Paul’s strategic focus on co-packing kept the company successful and relevant in the rapidly evolving beverage industry.

S. Lee Kilburn (1968 - 1985)

Lee Kilburn, who married into the Dorn family, ran the contract manufacturing operation with precision, bringing it to new heights. Under his leadership, the company expanded with a larger bottling line and a sprawling warehouse in Colchester, turning the facility into a major player in the beverage co-packing industry. Eventually, Lee sold the contract manufacturing plant to Coca-Cola, and any remaining traces of the Venetian brand were tucked away, stored like forgotten relics of a bygone era.

Justin Lee Bunnell (2017 - Present)

Justin Bunnell, Lee’s grandson, grew up surrounded by the echoes of a storied family legacy. Fascinated by old photographs of tough-looking men standing proudly in front of what is now called the Soda Plant building on Pine Street, Justin was inspired to dig deeper into his family’s history. Fueled by the desire to restore Venetian Beverages to its early 1900s glory, Justin has reimagined the brand for a new generation. With a passion for Vermont’s craft beverage scene and a deep respect for his family’s renegade past, Justin opened the Venetian Soda Lounge in the original Pine Street location, now owned by Steve Conant of Conant Metal and Light fame. Justin’s mission is to revive the Venetian label, bringing it back from the shadows and making it a household name once again.