After spending almost two decades working for international drink brands including Red Bull, George Strait’s Codigo Tequila and more, Brad Bannister wanted more. So he partnered with serial entrepreneurs Brandon Cason and Daniel Barnes to create Canteen Spirits, which is produced and headquartered in Dripping Springs.
“When my wife and I found out that we were having twins, we knew we needed to get back to our family here in Texas,” he says. “At that point in time, we started talking about the creation of Canteen Spirits and the rest is history.”
How does your Red Bull experience help you now?
It’s the foundation for everything I am today. The one thing I always knew I was missing there was the entrepreneurial mindset and ability to be in control of my own destiny. Canteen has put me in a position to put my abilities to work.
Why did you choose DS?
The availability of cost-effective space helps. In a customer-focused industry like beverage, you want people to get a feel for your brand when they come to see what you do. Dripping Springs is an amazing place to have a business like ours.
What is your biggest motivation?
I have a beautiful wife, Deirdre, who has been my motivation since we first met on 6th Street in 2006. My son, Sebastian (7), and my beautiful twin girls, Josephine and Juliette (3), will always be the root of the long hours and gray hair. More than that, building something that you are proud to tell your friends and family about is the business side of the motivation.
Why is Canteen better than "traditional" hard seltzers?
Canteen is zero sugar, zero sodium, zero carbs only 100 calories and five percent ABV. From start to finish, all Canteen brands are made right here in Dripping Springs. We even use the freshest water and we strip out all the impurities to ensure that we have the best quality ingredients to create the best quality products.
What's the best way to enjoy Canteen this summer?
Anywhere there’s sun, sand, sweat and sound. Pack your cooler and head to your favorite spot on the lake, at the beach or in your backyard with friends and enjoy a cold Canteen!
