You’re driving through Thornton, Colorado, just a bit north of Denver. Suddenly, this massive building appears. It looks like a Costco or maybe a small aircraft hangar. But then you see the sign: Daveco Liquors. Honestly, it’s a bit overwhelming. You walk in and it hits you—this isn't just a place to grab a six-pack. It’s 100,000 square feet of pure, unadulterated alcohol.
The Giant in Thornton
Daveco Liquors officially holds the Guinness World Record for the biggest liquor store in America and, well, the world. We’re talking about roughly 102,000 square feet. To put that in perspective, that’s about two football fields. If you were to walk every single aisle, you’d probably get your steps in for the week.
Most people think the biggest store would be some mega-chain like Total Wine & More. And while Total Wine is definitely the 800-pound gorilla of the industry, their individual stores usually cap out around 25,000 to 30,000 square feet. Daveco is a different beast entirely. It’s a destination.
Why does anyone need a store this big?
Selection. Basically, if it’s fermented or distilled and legal to sell in Colorado, they probably have it. We aren't just talking about the 12,000 different products they keep in stock. We’re talking about the sheer volume. They have rows of bourbon that seem to disappear into the horizon.
A Wild History
The store opened back in 2006. It didn't take long for the Guinness folks to come knocking. But the journey hasn't been all champagne and celebrations. The original owner, Hani "Henry" Sawaged, ran into some pretty serious legal trouble about a decade ago. There were issues with racketeering and sales tax under-reporting. It was a massive scandal in the Colorado business world. He ended up having to give up his interest in the store and pay millions in restitution.
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Despite the drama, the store stayed open. It’s still the reigning champ.
Is Bigger Always Better?
Size is one thing. Actually finding a specific bottle of obscure Japanese gin is another.
When you’re dealing with the biggest liquor store in America, the shopping experience changes. It’s less of a "quick stop on the way home" and more of a "plan your Saturday around it" kind of vibe. You’ve got to use the overhead signs just to navigate.
The Contenders
There’s always a debate about who actually wears the crown. You’ll hear people in Texas swear by Spec’s in downtown Houston. It’s a massive, sprawling warehouse of a store that’s famous for its deli as much as its booze. While Spec’s is a legend, it typically doesn't hit that 100k square foot mark.
Then you have Jungle Jim’s International Market in Ohio. Now, Jungle Jim’s is a massive grocery store—about 200,000 square feet in total—but only a portion of that is dedicated to beer and wine. Even though their selection is world-class (over 17,000 wine labels!), they don't quite fit the "standalone liquor store" category the way Daveco does.
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What to Expect Inside Daveco
If you ever make the pilgrimage, bring comfortable shoes. Kinda sounds like a joke, but it’s not.
- The Walk-In Cold Room: It’s basically a warehouse-sized refrigerator. If you want cold beer, they have more square footage of refrigeration than most small towns.
- The High-End Room: This is where the rare stuff lives. The $5,000 bottles of scotch and the limited-release cognacs.
- The Aisles of Everything: You’ll find spirits you’ve never heard of. Ever had a liqueur made from artichokes? They probably have three different brands.
The pricing is usually pretty competitive too. Because they buy in such massive volumes, they can often undercut the smaller boutique shops. But you lose that "neighborhood" feel. You won't find the owner behind the counter ready to chat about your day. You’ll find a bustling staff of dozens trying to keep the shelves stocked.
Why This Record Matters
Records like this aren't just for ego. In the liquor world, size equals leverage. When a store can buy 500 cases of a specific bourbon instead of 5, they get better pricing and, more importantly, better access to limited releases.
Distillers like to play favorites. If you’re the biggest liquor store in America, you’re a favorite.
But there are limitations. Colorado’s liquor laws have shifted over the years. For a long time, Colorado was a "one-store" state, meaning an owner could only have one liquor license. That’s actually why Daveco got so big. Instead of opening ten small stores, they poured everything into one giant location.
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Today, those laws have loosened up, allowing chains to expand, but the legacy of the "mega-store" remains.
Actionable Advice for the Beverage Hunter
If you’re planning to visit a store of this magnitude, or even a local "big box" liquor retailer, here is how you handle it:
- Check the App: Many of these giant stores have inventory apps. Use them. Walking for ten minutes just to find out they sold the last bottle of Eagle Rare five minutes ago is heartbreaking.
- Look for Store Pick Barrels: Large stores often buy entire barrels of whiskey. These are unique bottlings you can't get anywhere else.
- Don't Fear the Top Shelf: In a store this size, the "top shelf" might actually be ten feet in the air. Ask for help.
- Verify the Hours: Big stores sometimes have different hours for their "tasting rooms" or specialized counters compared to the main floor.
The reality of the liquor industry in 2026 is that it's moving toward convenience and delivery. But there will always be a place for the giants. There’s something visceral about standing in the middle of a 100,000-square-foot room filled with every drink imaginable. It’s a monument to the variety of human taste.
If you find yourself in the Denver area, take the exit for Thornton. Even if you aren't buying anything, just seeing the scale of the operation is worth the detour.