Service Beyond Delivery: R&K Distributors Earns Business Excellence Honor

The Nacogdoches County Chamber board of directors named R&K Distributors, Inc. as Medium Business of the Year, a Gary Justice business excellence award.

R&K Distributors has a longstanding commitment to serving East Texas and supporting local communities. The business has built its reputation on delivering more than beverages across East Texas, but also delivering a commitment to community service and local partnerships.

For Nacogdoches Branch Manager Jimmy Day, this chamber of commerce recognition carries special meaning because of the award's namesake.

"We are very proud and honored to be receiving the Medium Business of the Year Award," Day said. "Gary Justice was a former branch manager of R&K Distributors and former chairman of the Nacogdoches County Chamber board of directors. He had a passion for helping our local businesses and organizations."

That spirit of service has been woven into the company's culture since its founding. Headquartered in Longview, R&K Distributors opened its Nacogdoches branch in 1971 and has spent more than 60 years serving customers throughout East Texas.

"We tend to the needs of stores, bars and restaurants in our extensive service area so they can reliably serve their customers," Day said. "We're a company with a big case history, and we've always got something brewing."

Founders Rose and Kenneth Kirkpatrick, demonstrated a passion for helping local communities, and that was passed on to their grandson and current president, John Martin. "I am very proud and honored to work for a company that believes in its local communities and its employees,” Day said.

Over the years, R&K Distributors has supported countless local organizations and causes, including the Nacogdoches Hero Foundation, United Way, SFA Athletics, the SFA Alumni Association, organizations that serve veterans and first responders, wildlife conservation efforts and programs that assist local families.

The company's employees also volunteer their time through initiatives such as the Nacogdoches Area United Way Day of Caring.

"We encourage our employees to give back as well," Day said. "During events like the Day of Caring, our team members go out as full volunteers and help our neighbors."

Among the company's most recent memorable contributions was bringing the iconic Budweiser Clydesdales to town for the Nine Flags Christmas Parade in 2025.

"Having the Budweiser Clydesdales in the Oldest Town in Texas, making multiple special appearances and leading the Nine Flags parade, was monumental," Day said. "I'm still hearing stories to this day about their visit and the experiences people had with them."

While community involvement remains a cornerstone of the company's mission, Day credits R&K's employees for the organization's continued success.

"Of course, we can't do it without a great team that delivers the ice-cold beverages to stores throughout our area so customers can conveniently enjoy their favorites," he said.

As R&K Distributors celebrates the Medium Business of the Year recognition, company leaders view the award not only as a reflection of past accomplishments but also as motivation for the future.

"For the past 60 years, R&K has supported our local communities," Day said. "We look forward to doing that for another 60 years."

The company will be recognized during The Chamber's 104th Annual Meeting on Sept. 22 at The Fredonia Hotel & Convention Center. Seating is limited. Call the Nacogdoches County Chamber for reservations, 936-560-5533.