Wayne Hirst Center for Beverage Education
About Wayne Hirst
Wayne Hirst was a trailblazer, visionary and larger-than-life personality whose career transformed the beverage and hospitality industries in Oklahoma. Born and raised in Texas, Wayne graduated from East Texas State University, where he excelled both academically and athletically as a two-time NAIA All-American tennis player and Hall of Fame inductee. After beginning his career in 1966 as district manager for the Schlitz Brewing Company in Corpus Christi, Texas, Wayne returned to Oklahoma, where his entrepreneurial journey truly began. As sales manager for Capital Beverage, he recognized the evolving demands of the Oklahoma market and seized the opportunity to fill a niche. In 1972, Wayne founded Premiere Imports, introducing ultra-high-quality California wines to the state. Building on this success, he launched Hirst Imports in 1976, expanding his portfolio to include premium domestic and imported beers.
Hirst’s influence extended far beyond his business ventures. A visionary leader, he created the Philbrook Art & Wine Experience in 1992, which has raised over $4 million for the Philbrook Museum in Tulsa. His passion for hospitality inspired the creation of the Hirst Hospitality Awards, an annual gala honoring exceptional industry employees while raising funds for scholarships through the Oklahoma Hospitality Foundation. As a dedicated advocate for the hospitality community, Wayne served on the boards of the Oklahoma Restaurant Association, Quail Creek Country Club and as President of the Petroleum Club of Oklahoma City. His legacy is immortalized through the Wayne Hirst Center for Beverage Education, a fitting tribute to his monumental contributions to the industry.
Hirst's charisma, generosity and commitment to excellence left an indelible mark on everyone he encountered. Whether mentoring aspiring professionals, advocating for better wine accessibility in Oklahoma, or simply sharing a laugh over a glass of wine, his impact was profound. He was not just a leader but a friend, mentor and champion of the people and the industry he loved. His legacy lives on in the thriving hospitality and beverage sectors of Oklahoma and in the countless lives he touched along the way.
Impact on the industry
"Wayne Hirst was larger than life, gregarious, confident and joyful. He was a legend in the Oklahoma restaurant and hospitality community. Generous of spirit, supportive and qualitatively driven, these are the ideas that come to mind when I remember Wayne Hirst."
Senior Manager, Trade Relations and Education for The Duckhorn Portfolio - The standard for American fine wine
“His early, vigorous support of the Napa Valley wine industry will forever be appreciated. He skillfully introduced and promoted Duckhorn wines to Oklahoma wine appreciators. Most importantly, Wayne became a close friend which made his loss that much more sorrowful. He would be thrilled to see his name attached to Center for Beverage Education at Oklahoma State University. What a lovely honor for an inspiring guy!”
Founder, The Duckhorn Portfolio, Napa Valley California
"His legacy is not just in the fine wines that graced our tables or the vibrant personality that filled our venues, but also in the countless lives he uplifted through his visionary leadership and generous spirit. Wayne's dedication to enhancing every aspect of hospitality continues to inspire us all. We are profoundly grateful for his enduring impact and the path he paved for excellence in our industry."
President & CEO, Oklahoma Restaurant Association & Oklahoma Hospitality Foundation
"The positive impact that he had on others cannot be overstated. Wayne’s HUGE personality made everyone that met him feel like they were one of his best friends. I feel fortunate to have known him and to have shared many glasses of wine over the years."
Owner, Stella Modern Italian Cuisine of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma