Local businesses are pulling Russian products in light of the conflict

CHARLOTTE, NC – Local businesses are doing their best to support people in Ukraine by pulling Russian products out of their stocks.

“We are shooting all Russian products and trying to promote something Ukrainian,” said Drew Podrebark, general manager of Souther Spirits in India.

He says that about twenty percent of their vodka sales are Russian vodkas.

“We want to take the lead as small business owners where we can really make an impact,” Podrabarak said.

But now they are dropping them off the floor and will not replenish the stocks of current Russian burners once they run out.

Podrebarach also says that they are now promoting the Ukrainian labels they wear.

“In fact, it’s very cool to see people who come and support and want to buy vodka just because it supports this nation,” Podrabarak said.

Smokehouse Midwood also pulls out of inventory two Russian burner labels. They bring American vodka from Texas.

“We’re moving to Texas Deep Eddy vodka, which we already have, but it’s going to be our homemade vodka,” said Remy Thurston, the restaurant group’s director of marketing.

He says it is not a political statement, but what they thought was right.

“It’s an anti-war message, if anything. Combating violence is not political, ”Thurston said.

He says that Russian vodka will most likely not be on the menu in the foreseeable future.

“At the moment, this is a constant change. We have no reason to return now, ”Thurston said.