Our History
Every great journey starts with a single step. Learn more about our story and how we went from a few vending machines to the best team in the industry…The EMPIRE TEAM!
The Empire Story
2012
The Story Begins
Jonathan split his time between the banking industry for two days a week and store management at HEB grocery for the remaining five days. His dedication paid off when he received a scholarship award from the President of HEB at the Houston Food Bank for his outstanding performance. Jonathan, with financial support from his father Keith, ventured into entrepreneurship by purchasing a small vending route comprising six vending machines. He committed to servicing the machines daily after completing his regular work hours, thus giving rise to the birth of EMPIRE.
2014
Time to Grow
Empire acquires M&D Vending, and in the aftermath of the acquisition, Keith, the father, assumes the roles of CFO and General Manager at Empire, while Bianca, the mother, takes on the position of Administrator within the company.
2016
Jordan Joins the Team
Jonathan’s sibling, Jordan Abernathy, becomes part of Empire in the capacity of Vice President of Sales.
2018
More Growth
Empire acquires Debbie’s Happy Vending and enters into a partnership with Cantaloupe Systems. The company implements telemetry technology across all vending machines and initiates the pre-picking process, eliminating the concept of a “warehouse on wheels.”
2019
Empire Coffee
Empire acquires M&G Vending, giving rise to the birth of Empire Coffee!
2020
Welcome Sandy and The Empire Market
The inaugural Empire Market is introduced, and Sandy Schoenthaler becomes a valued member of the Empire family, contributing her extensive 35 years of experience.
2021
Empire To Go
Empire inaugurates the EmpireToGo food kitchen, commencing the production and distribution of a variety of fresh food options. The company extends its presence into Austin and San Antonio, while concurrently surpassing a milestone of over 1,000 vending machines.
2022
More Growth
Empire attains the milestone of 100 markets and concurrently acquires Corporate Vending Partners.
2023
The Biggest & Best
Empire emerges as the largest independent operation in Southeast Texas. (Fulfillment Warehouse Team pictured above)
Welcome Tony
Keith’s Cousin, Tony Banner, becomes a part of the Empire family in the role of Vice President overseeing sales for Empire Coffee.
Giving Back
Empire initiates Operation- Empire Gives Back, contributing over 10,000 meal bags to churches in the Houston Area to provide holiday meals for families.
2024
Exciting Announcement
Empire has acquired Svatek Vending, marking a significant expansion of our presence throughout Texas! Stay tuned for more updates and developments as we continue to grow.
June, 2025
A New Acquisition
We’re proud to announce the acquisition of San Antonio Vending — one of the largest independent vending operations in Texas. A 7-figure deal that marks another major step in Empire’s expansion across the state.
September 2025
Acquisition of Smart Vending
In September 2025, Empire completed the acquisition of Smart Vending, a Houston-based vending company, in a six-figure transaction. This strategic move expanded our operational footprint and strengthened Empire’s position as one of the leading independent vending and micro-market providers in Texas.
The addition of Smart Vending reinforces Empire’s long-term vision of vertical integration, market expansion, and continued growth across the state. Each acquisition represents another step toward building a powerhouse network that delivers quality, efficiency, and innovation at scale.
Empire continues to rise — brick by brick, route by route.
