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In the heart of Texas, amidst the bustling city of Waco, two visionary entrepreneurs, Grover C. Thomsen and R.H. Roark set out to change the landscape of American soft drinks.
It was the year 1937, a time when the nation was still reeling from the Great Depression, yet the spirit of innovation and perseverance remained unbroken.
Thomsen and Roark, both possessed by an unwavering passion for creating something unique, spent countless hours in their modest laboratory, tirelessly experimenting with various ingredients and flavors.
Through trial and error, they finally stumbled upon a recipe that would become the foundation of their legacy—a delightfully refreshing, cream soda with a distinctive red hue.
They christened their creation Sun Tang Red Cream Soda, a name that embodied the warmth and vibrancy of the Texas sun, and set out to share their newfound delight with the world.
As the story of Big Red unfolds, we find ourselves transported to the rolling hills of Kentucky.
It was here that the iconic soft drink first found its way into the hands of eager consumers, thanks to a serendipitous connection forged by one of its creators, R.H. Roark.
Unbeknownst to many, Roark held a hidden ace up his sleeve—his ownership of the R.C. Bottling Company in the vibrant city of Louisville.
This strategic position allowed him to introduce the distinctive red cream soda to the people of Kentucky, making it the first state to experience the unique taste sensation that would eventually captivate the nation.
In the late 1960s, the Sun Tang Red Cream Soda had already established itself as a regional favorite, captivating taste buds across the South.
However, it was a fateful day on the golf course that would ultimately shape the drink's identity and propel it to national prominence.
Harold Jansing, the charismatic president of the San Antonio bottling plant, found himself in the company of a lively golf caddy who, in a moment of casual conversation, referred to the beloved soda as "Big Red."
The name struck a chord with Jansing, its simplicity and boldness perfectly encapsulating the essence of the drink.
At that moment, he made the decision that would redefine the brand—in 1969, Sun Tang Red Cream Soda would be reborn as "Big Red."
As the new millennium dawned, Big Red found itself riding a wave of unprecedented success, having captured the hearts and taste buds of consumers across the nation.
The once-regional soft drink had transformed into a formidable player in the beverage industry, thanks to its unique flavor profile and the unwavering loyalty of its ever-growing fan base.
From 2002 to 2004, Big Red cemented its position as a true contender, claiming the title of the sixth-highest-selling soft drink company in the United States.
This remarkable achievement was a testament to the tireless efforts of the company's dedicated team, who had worked relentlessly to expand the brand's reach and ensure that the distinctive red soda was readily available to consumers from coast to coast.
The year 2007 marked a pivotal moment for Big Red Ltd. Gary Smith, a visionary entrepreneur with a keen eye for opportunity, recognized the immense potential of the beloved soft drink brand and made a bold move to acquire the company.
With the formidable backing of financial giants Citigroup Venture Capital and Goldman Sachs, Smith embarked on a mission to elevate Big Red to new heights, infusing the company with fresh ideas and strategic direction.
Just a year later, in 2008, another major player in the beverage world took notice of Big Red's undeniable appeal—Keurig Dr Pepper.
The industry titan saw the value in partnering with the iconic brand and acquired a minority interest in Big Red, Inc., forging a powerful alliance that would reshape the soft drink market.
Today, Keurig Dr Pepper plays an instrumental role in the distribution of Big Red, with nearly 80% of the annual supply flowing through their extensive network.
In the grand arc of Big Red's history—the year 2009 marked a significant milestone—a bittersweet moment that saw the company bid farewell to its birthplace while embracing the promise of a new era.
Although the heart and soul of Big Red remained firmly rooted in Waco, Texas, where the iconic soft drink first came to life, the winds of change were blowing, and the company recognized the need to adapt to the demands of a rapidly evolving business landscape.
The decision was made to relocate the corporate headquarters to the vibrant and thriving city of Austin, Texas.
This move represented a symbolic passing of the torch, as Big Red sought to honor its rich heritage while positioning itself for future growth and success in a new home.
The transition to Austin brought with it a renewed sense of energy and innovation, as the company embraced the city's dynamic culture and forward-thinking spirit.
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