Ogden Distillery Changes Business Focus

Pete CodellaArticles, COVID-19

This article is part of a series featuring Utah-based companies and what they’re doing during the coronavirus pandemic.

The largest independent distillery in Utah shifted its operations to support its community during the coronavirus pandemic.

Ogden’s Own Distillery adult beverages are commonly served at local restaurants and bars throughout the region. However, in recent weeks people are talking about the company for a much different reason.

Recognizing the widespread need for hand sanitizer in the wake COVID-19, Steve Conlin, CEO of Ogden’s Own, saw the opportunity to use their existing infrastructure to produce hand sanitizer for residents. In recent weeks, the company produced more than 11,000 gallons of hand sanitizer for first responders, local government entities, regional corporations and community members. The distillery is on track to produce 7,000 gallons per week for the foreseeable future.

Ogden’s Own recently opened the doors to its brand-new, 32,000-square-foot distillery, and there are no plans to stop the company’s efforts in battling the coronavirus pandemic any time soon. “We’re going to keep fighting this thing and help people for as long as we possibly can,” added Conlin. “Our plan is for Five Wives Hand Sanitizer to be a long-term part of who we are and what we do.”

The company credits the local community for embracing the brand over the last decade. With that in mind, Conlin felt it was only right to donate 100% of its profits made in March and April to members of the Utah food and beverage community. Service staff members, including bartenders, chefs, waiters and waitresses benefitted from this generosity. 

“We are extremely fortunate to be in a position where we’re able to help people and make a difference,” said Steve Conlin, CEO of Ogden’s Own. “The city of Ogden, and the entire state of Utah, has always supported our mission unequivocally. Throughout this entire process, it’s been our goal to be a leader in this fight. Hopefully, over the last few challenging weeks, we’ve inspired other companies to follow suit.”