Harry Watkins Sr. started a small beer distribution business in Shelby, MT shortly after the end of prohibition. He later opened a second operation in Havre, MT. called Havre Distributors. Harry passed away in 1950 so Wilbur “Bunts” Watkins, Harry’s 2nd son, took over the Havre business and not long after brought in his younger brother, Ted Watkins, as his partner.

In 1969 Bunts and Ted had the opportunity to purchase Zip Beverage, a small beer distribution and pop bottling company, from Leonard Zipperian, who went by the nickname “Zip”. Ted originally managed Zip which at the time was located on the corner of Waverly and Phillips. In the early 70’s the business moved to 1200 Shakespeare. Bunts Watkins moved to Missoula in 1973 to take over Zip Beverage as Ted moved to Washington State to pursue another business venture. With the growth of the community and the increase in brands and packages Zip moved again just across the railroad tracks to its current location, 1301 Scott Street, in September 1999.

Bill Watkins, Bunt’s son, started at Zip Beverage in 1979 and Harry B. Watkins, Ted’s oldest son, joined the business in 1987. Bill and Harry bought their fathers out in 1993.

On December 30, 2011 Zip Beverage purchased the beer distribution assets of Thompson Distributing in Butte, MT. Zip continues to run a separate warehouse for the Butte operation.

In May 2015 Jordan Watkins, Bill’s oldest child, joined Zip Beverage making her the 4th generation of Bill and Harry’s grandfather to be involved with the Montana beer distribution business. Kyle Watkins, Bill’s son and Jordan’s young brother, joined Zip Beverage in 2017.

Zip Beverage runs two branches located in Missoula(Headquarters) and Butte, Montana. Missoula region covers the counties of Missoula, Ravalli, Mineral, Sanders, and the southern portion of Lake County along with the western portion of Powell. Butte region covers the counties of Silver Bow, Beaverhead, Granite, Deer Lodge, the south west portion of Jefferson, and most of Madison County.