Grandpa Graf's facts for kids
Grandpa Graf's, also known as Graf's Root Beer, is a popular fizzy drink. It's a type of root beer that tastes sweet and bubbly. You can mostly find it in grocery stores in eastern and northern Wisconsin. This special drink was first made way back in 1873 by a man named John Graf.
Contents
The Story of Grandpa Graf's Root Beer
How It All Began
The story of Grandpa Graf's root beer started in 1873. A man named John Graf Sr. began making root beer and regular beer. He brewed them in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In the 1930s, the Graf's company moved to a new location in West Milwaukee.
Growing the Business
John Graf soon created his own company, called Graf Beverages. This company made many different kinds of soft drinks. But his root beer was the most famous and is still remembered today. John Graf's picture is even on the can of root beer!
New Leaders for the Company
After John Graf Sr. passed away in 1930, his daughter, Sylvia Graf, took over the company. She became the president. When Sylvia died in 1963, Lawrie O. Graf became the new leader. Lawrie Graf was very smart. He was known for his creative ideas and his knowledge of chemistry. He studied at Marquette University. Lawrie helped the company become well-known across the country. He ran the company until 1968. Then, he sold it to another company called P & V Atlas.
Changing Hands
After P & V Atlas, Graf products were sold to Canada Dry. Then, in 1984, Canada Dry sold Graf to A. J. Canfield. Later, Select Beverages bought Canfield. Finally, the Dr Pepper Snapple Group bought Select Beverages.
Where to Find Grandpa Graf's Today
Grandpa Graf's is mostly sold in northern, eastern, and southern Wisconsin. It is most common in Milwaukee. Canfield also ships it to Minnesota, Michigan, and Chicago. Grandpa Graf’s and another drink called 50/50 were not sold for a while during the global pandemic.
The Face of Grandpa Graf's
In its early days, the drink was simply called "Graf's Root Beer." Lawrie Graf decided to change the name to "Grandpa Graf's." He also wanted to put his grandfather John Graf Senior's face on the logo. Lawrie asked a cartoonist named Sid Stone to draw the cartoon picture of his grandfather.
