Alan I. Freis, founder of the Bagel Deli and former owner of Applejack Wine and Spirits, passed away July 15, 2014, in Denver. Rabbi Salomon Gruenwald officiated at the July 20 service at the HEA.
Interment followed at Rose Hill Cemetery. Feldman Mortuary made the arrangements.
The industry has lost a retailing icon, said Mark Brown, president of the Sazerac Co. Alan will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. He was simply the best.
Mr. Freis was born Aug. 22, 1935, in Denver, where he lived his entire life.
He graduated North High School and briefly attended Colorado A&M.
In 1965, Mr. Freis opened the Bagel Deli. He sold the deli to Lola and Paul Weiner in 1969.
After holding various positions with Seagrams Distillers, he served as president of Midwest Distributors from 1974-1980.
Mr. Freis owned Applejack Wine and Spirits until he sold the company to his son-in-law, Jim Shpall. However, he continued working at the store and was known as the face of Applejack.
He received the Market Watch National Retailer of the Year award in 1972.
Mr. Freis is survived by his daughters Debbie (Jim) Shpall and Shari Freis; and grandchildren Allison, Bryan and Jonathan (JJ) Shpall.
Contributions may be made to the Alan Freis Memorial Fund at the HEA.
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