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Dad's Root Beer

Dad's Root Beer is an American brand of , a carbonated flavored with roots, herbs, and sweeteners, that was developed in in by partners Ely Klapman and Barney Berns in the basement of Klapman's home. The beverage is distinguished by its old-fashioned recipe, featuring pure cane sugar and natural flavors for a creamy, sarsaparilla-like taste that evokes mid-20th-century . Trademarked in 1939 after initial sales in , Dad's Root Beer quickly gained popularity in the Midwest and became one of the leading brands by the , producing over 12 million cases annually at its peak. The brand's early success stemmed from innovative packaging, including the introduction of the six-pack format and half-gallon bottles in the , which set industry standards for distribution. By the late , Dad's had expanded through a network of franchise bottlers, reaching 165 locations across the during the , supported by memorable advertising campaigns featuring family-oriented bottle characters like "Papa," "Mama," and "Junior." transitioned in the 1970s when the Klapman and Berns families sold the company to Industries, followed by acquisitions by in 1986 and Hedinger Brands, LLC in 2007, under which it operates today as a premium, independent line. Headquartered in , and marketed by The Dad's Root Beer Company, LLC, the brand remains available in glass bottles and cans nationwide, emphasizing its heritage as a family-owned Midwestern staple.

History

Founding and Early Development

Dad's Root Beer was developed in the by partners Barney Berns and Klapman, who created the original recipe in the basement of Klapman's Chicago-area home. Their collaboration began as an effort to craft a premium that evoked traditional homemade flavors, with the product first in use around February 1937. The name "Dad's Old Fashioned " was chosen as a tribute to Klapman's father and to the many fathers of the early who brewed at home for their families, emphasizing the beverage's nostalgic and artisanal roots. This branding highlighted the drink's connection to and simple, heartfelt craftsmanship. On September 24, 1938, the first trademark application for Dad's was filed by The Dad's Company of , and it was officially granted on February 14, 1939, covering the product's use since February 1937. This legal protection marked the formal establishment of the brand in the competitive market. The initial formulation of Dad's Root Beer incorporated essential ingredients like , licorice, and , which together produced a distinctive "" taste profile that set it apart from other root beers of the era. These components were selected to deliver a rich, aromatic flavor reminiscent of classic homemade recipes.

Expansion and Innovations

In the early , Dad's Root Beer pioneered several innovations that catered to consumption and convenience, setting it apart in the competitive market. The brand introduced family-sized bottles in 1941, including the "Papa" half-gallon for larger gatherings, the "Mama" quart for moderate servings, and the "Junior" in 7-, 10-, or 12-ounce sizes for individual use. These formats emphasized economical, home-oriented purchasing, aligning with the brand's "" appeal. Additionally, Dad's was the first root beer to adopt the six-pack format, developed by the Paper Company in the , which facilitated easier transport and retail display. To boost national visibility, Dad's launched its first major in 1941, promoting the product with the "It’s a completely new idea! Genuine draft in bottles!" This effort highlighted the beverage's fresh, draft-like quality in bottled form, targeting families and leveraging print media to expand beyond regional markets. Complementing this, the brand employed innovative promotions like the 1- sale in autumn 1941, where customers could purchase a "Papa" half-gallon at full price and receive a "Mama" for just one . Such deals, repeated throughout the , fostered consumer loyalty by encouraging bulk buys and repeat visits to retailers. By the late 1940s, these strategies propelled Dad's to become one of the most consumed brands , supported by an expansive network of 165 bottlers across the continent. The growth reflected effective market positioning as a premium yet accessible family drink, solidifying its popularity during the post-war economic boom.

Ownership Transitions

In the , the Klapman and Berns families, who had owned Dad's Root Beer since its founding, sold the company to IC Industries in 1971. This acquisition integrated Dad's into IC Industries' diversified portfolio, which included beverage operations alongside other sectors like transportation and . The company underwent another significant transition in 1986 when Monarch Beverage Company of Atlanta acquired Dad's from IC Industries. At that time, Dad's was distributed through the Coca-Cola bottler network and achieved peak annual sales of 12 million cases, making it the second-largest root beer brand in the United States behind A&W. This period marked a high point in the brand's national reach before subsequent shifts in the beverage industry. In 2007, Hedinger Brands, LLC purchased Dad's from Monarch, along with other brands such as , , and Sun Crest. The acquisition included licensing the Dad's brand to The Dad’s Root Beer Company, LLC, which is headquartered in . As of 2025, Dad's Root Beer continues to operate under Hedinger Brands' ownership, with no major corporate changes reported, maintaining a focus on beverage production and distribution through regional partners.

Products

Root Beer Offerings

Dad's Old Fashioned , the flagship product of the brand, is a caffeine-free featuring a classic formulation that emphasizes traditional flavors. Its key ingredients include , cane sugar, caramel color, natural and artificial flavors—primarily , licorice, and —along with as a . This composition contributes to the beverage's distinctive creamy, foamy texture reminiscent of early draft-style s from the brand's origins. The diet variant, Diet Dad's Root Beer, offers a sugar-free while preserving the core flavor profile of the original. It uses artificial sweeteners such as and instead of cane sugar, with the remaining ingredients consisting of , , natural and artificial flavors, (as a ), and . This zero-calorie option maintains the bold notes of , licorice, and without compromising on taste. Dad's Root Beer is primarily packaged in 12-ounce glass bottles, often sold in 12-packs to evoke a aesthetic and enhance the premium feel. Additional formats include 2-liter bottles for larger servings, alongside occasional availability in 20-ounce bottles and fountain service in select locations. These choices support both retail convenience and nostalgic appeal. As of 2025, Dad's Root Beer is distributed nationwide through major grocery chains such as and , as well as online retailers like for direct consumer purchase. The product remains focused on select regional markets in the United States, with distribution supported by a network of bottlers and wholesalers accessible via the brand's locator tool.

Cream Soda Varieties

Dad's Root Beer offers a lineup of cream soda varieties that extend its classic soda portfolio beyond , emphasizing creamy bases infused with fruit or candy-inspired flavors. These sodas are crafted to provide a nostalgic, smooth drinking experience with balanced sweetness and . The flagship Dad's features a -forward base with a rich, creamy texture, delivering a traditional golden-hued refreshment sweetened primarily with cane sugar or . Its ingredients include , natural and artificial flavors, for tartness, as a , and for its signature appearance. This variety evokes a comforting, ice cream-like indulgence without or . Dad's Orange Cream Soda combines the citrus brightness of with a creamy undertone, mimicking the taste of a dreamsicle by blending elements and notes. Key components mirror the original but incorporate orange-specific natural and artificial flavors, maintaining the shared base of , sweeteners, , and preservatives. This variant highlights a zesty, refreshing twist on the profile. Dad's Blue Cream Soda introduces a playful, candy-like dimension with flavors reminiscent of accented by sweet , creating a vibrant blue-hued beverage that stands out for its light, whimsical sweetness. It shares the core ingredients of the lineup, including , cane sugar or , natural and artificial flavors (emphasizing blue notes), , , and blue coloring, while remaining caffeine-free and gluten-free. Dad's Red Cream Soda offers a bold, traditional red soda experience with sweet vanilla notes and a subtle fruity bite, often evoking bubblegum or red candy undertones for a nostalgic finish. Its formulation aligns with the other varieties, using carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup or cane sugar, natural and artificial red fruit flavors, citric acid, sodium benzoate, and Red 40 for color. This option provides a slightly more assertive profile within the cream soda family. Across all cream soda variants, common ingredients ensure consistency in texture and shelf stability, such as as the base, or pure cane sugar for sweetness, natural and artificial flavors tailored to each profile, for balance, and as a , with color additives varying by variant (e.g., for the original, Red 40 for the red). These sodas are primarily packaged in 12-ounce bottles, available in 12-packs or multi-flavor variety cases, and also offered in 20-ounce single-serve sizes. They are distributed through retail stores, online retailers, and alongside Dad's root beer products for broad accessibility.

Acquired Brands

In 2007, Hedinger Brands, LLC acquired , , and Sun Crest as part of a broader purchase from , integrating them into the portfolio licensed to The Dad's Root Beer Company, LLC. , a lemon-lime introduced in 1919, is renowned for its clear, crisp taste and caffeine-free profile. Its key ingredients include carbonated water, pure cane sugar, , , and natural flavors derived from and oils, delivering a refreshing burst. This brand predates competitors like 7 Up by a decade and emphasizes a light, effervescent quality in its formulation. Dr. Wells, developed in 1935 as a pepper-style carbonated soft drink, offers a distinctive spicy profile that sets it apart from cola or cherry variants. Its ingredients comprise , cane sugar, caramel color, , natural and artificial flavors, (as a preservative), , and , resulting in a sweet yet tangy essence with a peppery undertone. The beverage provides a bold, invigorating option within the acquired lineup. Sun Crest, an orange-flavored soda introduced in 1938 by the National NuGrape Company, is a classic citrus soda known for its tangy, refreshing taste. Its key ingredients include carbonated water, cane sugar or , , natural and artificial flavors, (as a ), and yellow coloring (e.g., Yellow 6). This brand offers a vibrant, nostalgic orange soda experience and remains available in the portfolio. Both and are produced by The Dad's Root Beer Company, LLC at shared facilities in , and distributed nationwide in 12-ounce glass bottles akin to the core Dad's offerings. This setup enables efficient manufacturing and consistent quality across the brands, with availability extending to markets in the United States, , and . As of 2025, these brands remain active and distinct within the portfolio, promoted collectively on the company's platforms to expand variety for consumers seeking nostalgic, specialty options.

Marketing

Advertising Campaigns

Dad's Root Beer launched its first national in 1941, highlighting the brand's unique "genuine draft" served in bottles to evoke the fresh, on-tap experience of draft beverages. This initiative, spearheaded by founders Ely Klapman and Barney Berns, positioned the product as an innovative alternative to traditional draft , rapidly expanding its visibility across the . In the , Dad's shifted toward advertisements that reinforced familial bonds and generational appeal. A 1967 featured the "That's my pop!", portraying the beverage as a bridge between parents and children through its rich, traditional flavor. By 1969, similar promotions continued this theme, with emphasizing the soda's nostalgic taste that united family members, often tying into product formats like family-sized bottles. The and marked Dad's entry into television advertising, focusing on product innovations and sensory appeal. A 1978 TV commercial promoted the introduction of plastic two-liter bottles, showcasing the drink's foamy texture and convenience for family gatherings. Throughout the , subsequent spots highlighted the "foamy" head and old-fashioned quality of the , using lighthearted scenarios to appeal to consumers seeking authentic, refreshing sodas. To commemorate its 75th anniversary in 2012, Dad's released a featuring country singer Nathan Osmond, who celebrated the brand's enduring legacy as America's premium while pouring a classic mug. This nostalgic spot underscored the product's timeless appeal, inviting viewers to relive family traditions with Dad's. In 2020, Dad's collaborated with InnoVision LLC and Productions on a new promoting both and varieties, emphasizing their creamy, mouth-watering profiles through vibrant visuals and modern techniques. Throughout its history, Dad's advertising campaigns have consistently emphasized family-oriented messaging, nostalgic "old-fashioned" charm, and a strong connection to Midwestern consumers, drawing on the brand's origins and traditional bottle sizes like "Junior," "Mama," and "Papa" to foster a sense of shared heritage.

Sponsorships and Partnerships

Dad's Root Beer entered the realm of motorsports sponsorship in 2007 as an associate sponsor in the , forming a with Racing Professionals for the 91st and at least two additional races that year. The team's No. 19 car, driven by Jon Herb, featured Dad's branding, marking the brand's initial visibility in professional . In 2010, Dad's Root Beer elevated its involvement by serving as the primary sponsor for the No. 24 Dreyer & Reinbold Racing entry at the , with driver leading the race for 15 laps. This sponsorship highlighted the brand's logo prominently on the car, enhancing its exposure during one of motorsports' premier events. The partnership with Dreyer & Reinbold Racing continued into 2011, with Dad's Root Beer sponsoring the No. 22 car driven by Justin Wilson across three events: the Milwaukee 225 on Father's Day weekend, the Iowa Corn Indy 250, and the Las Vegas season finale. The sponsorship included the distinctive blue, red, and yellow Dad's on the vehicle, providing ongoing trackside and event visibility. Following 2011, no further active sponsorships in have been reported. Beyond racing, Dad's maintained significant distribution partnerships, notably through the bottler network following Beverage Company's acquisition in 1986, during which it sold approximately 12 million cases annually in the mid-1980s as the second-largest brand in the U.S. This arrangement persisted until , when Hedinger Brands, LLC acquired the brand from and licensed it to The Dad's Company, LLC, transitioning to independent distribution channels. In recent years, the brand has emphasized retail partnerships, with products available through online platforms such as for broader consumer access.

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