J. Christopher Reyes
J. Christopher Reyes | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1953 |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, businessman |
| Known for | Co-chairman of Reyes Holdings |
| Spouse | Anne N. Reyes |
| Children | 4 |
J. Christopher Reyes (born 1953) is an American billionaire entrepreneur who serves as co-chairman of Reyes Holdings alongside his brother Jude Reyes. Reyes Holdings is a major food and beverage production and distribution firm, ranked by Forbes in 2023 as the sixth largest privately owned company in the United States, generating $40 billion in yearly revenue.
Early life
As the firstborn of Joseph A. Reyes and Frances "Frannie" Marie Reyes (1925–2013), Reyes has seven brothers and one sister, among them M. Jude Reyes. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Maryland.
Career
Reyes launched his professional journey by acquiring a modest Schlitz beer distribution business located in Spartanburg, South Carolina with his father and brother. Since 1976, the company expanded rapidly through strategic acquisitions, purchasing more than 130 beer distribution firms. In April 1998, Reyes Holdings broadened its scope by purchasing the Martin-Brower Company, a distributor for McDonald's operating across the United States and 18 other countries. The company further diversified in 2015 by entering the Coca-Cola bottling sector through the acquisition of Great Lakes Coca-Cola Bottling, serving Chicago and the Midwest region. Presently, Reyes Holdings manages Coca-Cola production via Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling, with facilities situated in California, Nevada, and the Midwest.
Political donations
Identified as conservatives, Reyes and his brother Jude have provided significant financial support to various political campaigns and organizations. In 2021, they contributed $50,000 opposing the recall effort against California Governor Gavin Newsom. Both brothers donated $150,000 each to Bill Daley’s Chicago mayoral bid in 2019. Earlier contributions include a combined $20,000 in 2015 and $160,000 in 2013 backing former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. Additionally, Reyes gave $25,250 to Corinne Wood, former Lieutenant Governor of Illinois. Between 1994 and 2007, he donated $80,200 to Illinois Republican Party entities and local Lake County Republican committees. He also contributed $100,000 to Two Party System, Inc., a Republican political action committee.
Personal life
Married to Anne N. Reyes, he is a father of four children and resides in Hobe Sound, Florida. In 2010, he acquired a 44-acre Aspen, Colorado estate for $47.5 million. More recently, in 2022, he purchased the Driehaus estate in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin for $36 million.
Philanthropy
Reyes holds lifetime directorship at Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago. He also serves on the board of Northwestern Memorial Healthcare and acts as a trustee for both Ronald McDonald House Charities and the University of Notre Dame.