266 Pine Street | Suite #122 | Burlington, Vermont 05401
The Venetian Beverages and Ginger Ale History
Let us read it for you.
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.
