Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you're exploring new products, evaluating vending or micro market solutions, or learning more about us as a distribution partner, this covers all the questions. You'll find answers about our service area, delivery schedules, equipment support, products, and more. If you don't see what you're looking for, our team is always happy to help.
About Bernick's: Service Area & Company Info
Who is Bernick’s?
Bernick’s is a family-owned beverage distributor and refreshment services company serving Minnesota and Wisconsin. Our offerings include soft drinks, beer, seltzers, spirits, coffee, water, snacks, fresh food, vending solutions, micro markets, PICO markets, and commercial beverage equipment.
What areas does Bernick’s serve?
Bernick’s provides beverage distribution, vending, micro markets, and equipment service throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin. Visit our Service Area page for a detailed map, or share your address and we’ll confirm availability.
What brands does Bernick’s distribute?
We partner with nationally recognized and locally loved brands, including Pepsi, Starbucks, Dr Pepper, Mountain Dew, Celsius, Muscle Milk, BUBBL’R, Miller Lite, Corona, White Claw, and many more. Specific brands vary by category; visit our product pages for full listings.
What types of businesses does Bernick’s work with?
We serve a wide range of organizations, including convenience stores, restaurants, bars, hotels, healthcare facilities, schools, manufacturing plants, offices, and multi-location operators.
Is Bernick’s a distributor, a service provider, or both?
Both. We offer full-service beverage distribution (soft drinks, water, juice, tea, sports & energy, beer, spirits, THC | CBD), plus vending, micro markets, PICO markets, equipment installation, and ongoing service.
Is Bernick’s a family-owned company?
Yes. Bernick’s has been family-owned and operated for over 100 years, with multiple generations actively involved in company leadership.
Product & Beverage Distribution FAQs
What beverage categories does Bernick’s distribute?
We supply soft drinks, sparkling water, tea, juice, sports & energy drinks, functional beverages, coffee, and more. Alcoholic beverages – including beer, seltzers, cider, spirits – as well as THC & CBD products, are available depending on your business type and location.
Do you distribute alcoholic beverages?
Yes. We offer beer, seltzers, ciders, spirits, and RTDs depending on your business type and location.
Do you distribute THC & CBD beverages?
Yes. We offer compliant, hemp-derived THC & CBD beverages and edibles in qualifying regions. Availability varies by state regulations.
Do you offer food and snack distribution?
Yes – including fresh food, prepared meals, refrigerated items, better-for-you snacks, and grab-and-go favorites for vending, micro markets, and PICO markets.
Can I request specific brands or flavors?
Absolutely. If capacity, licensing, and route schedules allow, we can explore brand requests, new flavors, or trial placements.
Vending, Micro Market & Coffee Service FAQs
What’s the difference between vending, a micro market, and a PICO market?
- Vending: Best for high-traffic or smaller spaces; automated, low-maintenance.
- Micro Market: Self-checkout, larger product variety, includes fresh food + meals.
- PICO Market: A compact version of a micro market for small spaces or lobbies.
Do you install and maintain vending machines, coolers, fountain systems, and coffee equipment?
Yes. Installation, calibration, repairs, cleaning, and preventative maintenance are included for qualifying setups. Our technicians are locally based for fast response times.
Do you provide CO2 refills and fountain syrups?
Yes. We deliver CO2 tanks, bag-in-box syrups, filtration supplies, and cleaning materials for fountain systems, plus routine checks to maintain consistent carbonation and mix levels.
Can Bernick’s help optimize my cooler or market layout?
Yes. We evaluate traffic flow, visibility, product velocity, and seasonal trends to recommend the most effective planograms and facing counts.
Delivery, Routes & Customer Logistics FAQs
How often does Bernick’s deliver?
Delivery frequency depends on your location, sales volume, and product type. Many customers receive weekly deliveries; high-volume accounts may receive multiple deliveries per week.
Can you deliver early mornings or support weekend scheduling?
In many cases, yes. Your account manager will review route timing and determine the best schedule for your needs.
Do beverage, alcohol, and vending routes run on different schedules?
Yes. Some categories – like alcohol or fresh food – follow specific compliance requirements or route structures. Your rep will walk you through the delivery plan.
How do I know if my location qualifies for service?
Review our Service Area map or share your business type, address, and estimated volume. We’ll confirm eligibility, available products, and route capacity.
Customer Support & Equipment FAQs
How do I request service or report an equipment issue?
Submit a request through our Customer Support page or contact us. Provide the equipment type, location, and issue for fastest response.
What if a vending machine needs repair or a refund?
Contact support with the machine number and issue. We’ll coordinate repairs, restocking, or refund processing.
Do you help with upgrades or switching equipment types?
Yes. We can evaluate your space, usage, and product needs, then recommend upgrades such as micro markets, new coolers, or updated fountain systems.
Do you offer preventative maintenance programs?
Yes. Cleaning, calibration, filter changes, and tune-ups are included for qualifying customers to keep equipment performing at its best.
Careers at Bernick's
What roles are typically available?
We hire for route drivers, warehouse associates, merchandisers, customer service roles, sales representatives, and operational support – along with various administrative positions. See current openings here.
Does Bernick’s offer training and growth opportunities?
Yes. We provide onboarding, equipment training, safety programs, and pathways for long-term advancement.
What benefits do employees receive?
Benefits typically include competitive pay, health insurance, retirement programs, PTO, and a family-focused culture. Visit our Careers page for role-specific details. Click here to learn more about careers at Bernick’s.
Getting Started
How do I set up a new account?
Contact us or call your local Bernick’s office. We’ll review your product needs, service area, and volume to get you started quickly.
What information do I need to begin service?
Your business type, address, expected volume, and preferred product categories. From there, our team handles the setup. Talk with a Bernick’s Rep today!
How do I switch from my current distributor to Bernick’s?
We make the process simple. Reach out, and we’ll gather details on your current provider, equipment, and inventory to ensure a smooth transition.
Still have Questions? We’re here to Help
If you didn’t find the information you need, our team is ready to assist with product selection, service setup, equipment support, and more.