October 14, 2025 — Breakthru Missouri today filed a lawsuit against Atomic Brands in the Circuit Court, Twenty-Second Judicial District, in St. Louis City, Missouri. The legal action follows Atomic’s notification of its intent to terminate its distribution relationship with Breakthru in the state.
Breakthru has proudly served as Atomic’s trusted distribution partner in Missouri since 2018, playing an instrumental role in growing the brand’s presence and performance in the market. With Breakthru’s strategic investment and commitment to this valued relationship, Atomic’s Missouri business has grown in market share, accounts sold, and revenue making Missouri one of Atomic’s largest markets nationally.
Atomic has cited the federal court’s interpretation of Missouri’s franchise law as the basis for ending the relationship. Breakthru strongly disagrees with this position and believes the federal court decisions, including the ruling in Major Brands, Inc. v. Mast-Jägermeister US, Inc., misinterpret Missouri franchise law and do not align with the precedents set by the Missouri Supreme Court. Breakthru is asking the Missouri state court to reaffirm the Missouri Supreme Court’s established rulings on the franchise law.
“Missouri franchise law requires good cause for distributor terminations which is contrary to our work in building Atomic Brands’ presence in Missouri and transforming it into one of their largest markets nationally,” said Scott Johnson, EVP of Breakthru Missouri. “We are taking legal action not only to protect our rights, business, and the integrity of our partnerships, but to ensure distribution partners are treated fairly in Missouri.”
