Family History
Josh Althaus (left) took over ownership from Tim Althaus (right), continuing the Family Beer & Liquor tradition into its next chapter.
A Family Tradition Since 1952
For more than seven decades, Family Beer & Liquor has been serving the Dubuque and Tri-State area as a locally owned, family-run business. What began as a small neighborhood beer store has grown into one of the region’s go-to destinations for beer, wine and spirits—while staying true to the values it was built on.
Established on hard work, strong community ties and a passion for great beverages, the business has been passed down through generations of the Althaus family.
The Early Days: A Neighborhood Beer Store
The roots of Family Beer go back to the years following Prohibition, when the original store opened in Dubuque, Iowa. It was one of the first beer stores in the state, offering simple staples: beer for the adults and soda for the kids.
Located on Central Avenue, the store quickly became a neighborhood fixture. Deliveries were made the old-fashioned way—sometimes even using a small red wagon to serve local customers.
In 1952, brothers Herb and Emil Althaus purchased the store, beginning a family legacy that continues today.
A True Family Operation
Family Beer & Liquor has always been a hands-on family business. Over the years, multiple generations of the Althaus family have worked in the store—stocking shelves, helping customers and building lasting relationships.
That personal approach has become a big part of the store’s reputation for quality and service.
Growing the Family Business
In 1971, Dennis Althaus, Herb’s son, purchased the store and began expanding the operation.
In the early 1980s, he opened a new location in East Dubuque, Illinois—an important step that helped shape the future of the business. With the new store came a new name, Family Beer & Liquor, and a much broader selection, including wine, liquor and specialty beverages.
Expansion Into a Regional Destination
In 1999, the East Dubuque location underwent a major expansion, growing from 7,000 to more than 20,000 square feet and significantly increasing its selection.
That same year, Dennis’s son, Tim Althaus, took over ownership. Under his leadership, the store continued to grow into a destination for customers across the Tri-State area.
Today, Family Beer & Liquor offers:
Over 1,300 craft beers
More than 2,400 wines from around the world
Over 4,500 spirits
Continuing the Legacy
In 2024, the next chapter began as Josh Althaus took over ownership, continuing more than 70 years of family leadership.
Having grown up around the business, Josh is focused on building on the strong foundation created by previous generations—while continuing to provide great selection, competitive prices and reliable service.
Still Family. Still Local.
While the store has grown significantly over the years, one thing has never changed: our commitment to customers.
What started as a small beer store has become a Tri-State destination for beer, wine, and spirits—but at its heart, Family Beer & Liquor is still the same local business it was generations ago.
And we’re proud to keep that tradition going.
Family Album
Dennis Althaus preparing to stock the first shelves at our East Dubuque location—marking the start of the expanded local tradition that continues today.
Stocking up at the old Family Beer store near Central Avenue in Dubuque.
Our wine selection in the early days—we’ve grown a bit since then.