Getting weird in the Philippines and  partying in an abandoned factory.  
Getting weird in the Philippines and  partying in an abandoned factory.  

Coca-Cola may have won the soda war, but the  untold truth of RC Cola is worth sipping on.
Coca-Cola may have won the soda war, but the  untold truth of RC Cola is worth sipping on.

Although he was looking to compete with Coca-Cola,  Claud A. Hatcher's first soda was actually  
Although he was looking to compete with Coca-Cola,  Claud A. Hatcher's first soda was actually  

Royal Crown Ginger Ale in 1905. "Hey there! How long have you been out here?"
Royal Crown Ginger Ale in 1905. "Hey there! How long have you been out here?"

"Since 1905."
"Since 1905."

"...Hmmm."
"...Hmmm."

According to Royal Crown Cola International,  the Hatchers decided to challenge Coke with  
According to Royal Crown Cola International,  the Hatchers decided to challenge Coke with  

a cherry-flavored cola called Chero-Cola,  which debuted in 1907. The business took  
a cherry-flavored cola called Chero-Cola,  which debuted in 1907. The business took  

off so briskly that the Hatchers soon found  themselves in the soda business full time.
off so briskly that the Hatchers soon found  themselves in the soda business full time.

According to New Georgia Encyclopedia, the  family established Union Bottling Works,  
According to New Georgia Encyclopedia, the  family established Union Bottling Works,  

later renamed Chero-Cola Company,  to sell its hit product, and by 1920  
later renamed Chero-Cola Company,  to sell its hit product, and by 1920  

had grown to supply soda syrups to  700 franchised plants for bottling.
had grown to supply soda syrups to  700 franchised plants for bottling.

During World War I, the company even  started up its own sugar refinery to  
During World War I, the company even  started up its own sugar refinery to  

meet demand during rationing. Unfortunately,  Coca-Cola was none too pleased with the "Cola"  
meet demand during rationing. Unfortunately,  Coca-Cola was none too pleased with the "Cola"  

part of Chero-Cola's name and sued the  company, claiming that it owned the term.
part of Chero-Cola's name and sued the  company, claiming that it owned the term.

Mental Floss reports that Hatcher fought the  lawsuit for years as he grew his own business,  
Mental Floss reports that Hatcher fought the  lawsuit for years as he grew his own business,  

but in 1923, a judge sided with Coca-Cola,  forcing a name change to just "Chero," which  
but in 1923, a judge sided with Coca-Cola,  forcing a name change to just "Chero," which  

negatively impacted sales. The cola  was discontinued as Hatcher instead  
negatively impacted sales. The cola  was discontinued as Hatcher instead  

focused the business on his popular  fruity soda, which was called Nehi.
focused the business on his popular  fruity soda, which was called Nehi.

This led to another company name  change, to the Nehi Corporation,  
This led to another company name  change, to the Nehi Corporation,  

in 1928, according to the New  Georgia Encyclopedia. However,  
in 1928, according to the New  Georgia Encyclopedia. However,  

when the Great Depression hit, Nehi's sales  also suffered, and Hatcher died in 1933.
when the Great Depression hit, Nehi's sales  also suffered, and Hatcher died in 1933.

With the company's sales director, H.R.  Mott, now at the helm, sales figures  
With the company's sales director, H.R.  Mott, now at the helm, sales figures  

started to improve for the company. Mott nixed  production of the worst soda sellers and in 1934  
started to improve for the company. Mott nixed  production of the worst soda sellers and in 1934  

brought Chero-Cola back as a plain cola called  Royal Crown, in honor of the line's origins.
brought Chero-Cola back as a plain cola called  Royal Crown, in honor of the line's origins.

According to RC Cola's official history, the new  Royal Crown cola was perfected over six months by  
According to RC Cola's official history, the new  Royal Crown cola was perfected over six months by  

a chemist named Rufus Hamm. The work paid off as  the soda became popular immediately and turned the  
a chemist named Rufus Hamm. The work paid off as  the soda became popular immediately and turned the  

company's fortunes around. By the '40s, the soda  had reached 47 of the contiguous United States.
company's fortunes around. By the '40s, the soda  had reached 47 of the contiguous United States.

Overall, the '40s were a very successful  decade for the Royal Crown company,  
Overall, the '40s were a very successful  decade for the Royal Crown company,  

and their soda was becoming popular with the  public. In 1940, the company had the idea to  
and their soda was becoming popular with the  public. In 1940, the company had the idea to  

hold publicly-performed blind taste tests  versus competitors — and won. Meanwhile,  
hold publicly-performed blind taste tests  versus competitors — and won. Meanwhile,  

a judge ruled in 1944 that the word "cola"  was again fair game for manufacturers,  
a judge ruled in 1944 that the word "cola"  was again fair game for manufacturers,  

so the company was renamed once  more as Royal Crown Cola Company.
so the company was renamed once  more as Royal Crown Cola Company.

Now with some momentum, Royal Crown  contributed plenty more innovations to  
Now with some momentum, Royal Crown  contributed plenty more innovations to  

the soda scene. According to the New Georgia  Encyclopedia, the company manufactured the  
the soda scene. According to the New Georgia  Encyclopedia, the company manufactured the  

first nationally-available canned sodas  in 1954, then created bigger 16-ounce  
first nationally-available canned sodas  in 1954, then created bigger 16-ounce  

bottles in 1959. The company's first  diet beverage, released in 1958,  
bottles in 1959. The company's first  diet beverage, released in 1958,  

was called Diet Rite. It was later followed  by a caffeine-free version called RC 100  
was called Diet Rite. It was later followed  by a caffeine-free version called RC 100  

and a cherry-flavored variety, Diet Cherry RC.  Our Everyday Life reports that the diet sodas  
and a cherry-flavored variety, Diet Cherry RC.  Our Everyday Life reports that the diet sodas  

were created for diabetics, but they proved  to be a hit with weight-watchers as well.
were created for diabetics, but they proved  to be a hit with weight-watchers as well.

According to Culinary Lore, RC was not the  first company to produce a diet soda as the  
According to Culinary Lore, RC was not the  first company to produce a diet soda as the  

company claims, but they were the first to  successfully bring it to the national public  
company claims, but they were the first to  successfully bring it to the national public  

by 1962. Unfortunately, the diet soda generated  controversy due to the inclusion of cyclamates  
by 1962. Unfortunately, the diet soda generated  controversy due to the inclusion of cyclamates  

as a sweetener, which was eventually  banned in 1970 over health concerns.
as a sweetener, which was eventually  banned in 1970 over health concerns.

"The announcement about artificial  sweeteners adds cyclamate to tobacco,  
"The announcement about artificial  sweeteners adds cyclamate to tobacco,  

alcohol and a list of other  things that aren't good for you."
alcohol and a list of other  things that aren't good for you."

Since Diet Rite had helped Royal Crown  sail to the No. 1 diet-soda spot,  
Since Diet Rite had helped Royal Crown  sail to the No. 1 diet-soda spot,  

the health scare caused the company's sales  to plummet. Mental Floss reported that in a  
the health scare caused the company's sales  to plummet. Mental Floss reported that in a  

strange twist, the company diversified  by acquiring two fruit juice makers  
strange twist, the company diversified  by acquiring two fruit juice makers  

and seven home furnishings companies,  followed by the fast-food chain Arby's.
and seven home furnishings companies,  followed by the fast-food chain Arby's.

Unfortunately, the company's next  owner, Victor Posner took over in 1984,  
Unfortunately, the company's next  owner, Victor Posner took over in 1984,  

and later received a conviction for tax evasion  and was also under suspicion of insider trading.
and later received a conviction for tax evasion  and was also under suspicion of insider trading.

Generations of both children and adults  have grown up with Jim Henson, whether  
Generations of both children and adults  have grown up with Jim Henson, whether  

by watching "The Muppet Show" or "Sesame Street"  and their casts of lovable characters. What tends  
by watching "The Muppet Show" or "Sesame Street"  and their casts of lovable characters. What tends  

to get left out of the puppeteer's biography,  however, is his stint producing television ads.
to get left out of the puppeteer's biography,  however, is his stint producing television ads.

Long before either program aired on TV,  
Long before either program aired on TV,  

his puppets starred in commercials  for products including coffee, bread,  
his puppets starred in commercials  for products including coffee, bread,  

and Frito-Lay's Munchos, which showcased  an early prototype of Cookie Monster.
and Frito-Lay's Munchos, which showcased  an early prototype of Cookie Monster.

One of the companies to tap Henson was RC Cola,  
One of the companies to tap Henson was RC Cola,  

and in 1966 he made an array of commercials  starring puppets Nutty Bird and Sour Bird.
and in 1966 he made an array of commercials  starring puppets Nutty Bird and Sour Bird.

"Royal Crown is its name - it has quick,  fresh energy and you will love RC like me!"
"Royal Crown is its name - it has quick,  fresh energy and you will love RC like me!"

"Is that the end?"
"Is that the end?"

"There is no end to the praises  I sing of Royal Crown Cola!"
"There is no end to the praises  I sing of Royal Crown Cola!"

Around 20 seconds long, the ads combined a  playful mix of slapstick comedy and music,  
Around 20 seconds long, the ads combined a  playful mix of slapstick comedy and music,  

which would define the whimsical worlds  Henson would introduce audiences to years  
which would define the whimsical worlds  Henson would introduce audiences to years  

later. Only four commercials were made, and to  our knowledge it remained the only collaboration  
later. Only four commercials were made, and to  our knowledge it remained the only collaboration  

Henson did with Royal Crown. Still, it's an  interesting peek into the pair's early days.
Henson did with Royal Crown. Still, it's an  interesting peek into the pair's early days.

History notes that as Royal Crown suffered  through rocky times, Coca-Cola and Pepsi  
History notes that as Royal Crown suffered  through rocky times, Coca-Cola and Pepsi  

were engaging in the "cola wars" of the 1970s  and 1980s, as the top two cola manufacturers  
were engaging in the "cola wars" of the 1970s  and 1980s, as the top two cola manufacturers  

tried to one-up each other for years. The scuffle  kicked off, ironically, with the Pepsi Challenge  
tried to one-up each other for years. The scuffle  kicked off, ironically, with the Pepsi Challenge  

taste test - the same method Royal Crown had  employed to gain market share decades before.
taste test - the same method Royal Crown had  employed to gain market share decades before.

In 1993, Royal Crown was acquired by Triarc  Companies — which, according to Funding Universe,  
In 1993, Royal Crown was acquired by Triarc  Companies — which, according to Funding Universe,  

had its own history with the troublesome  billionaire who briefly owned RC in the '80s,  
had its own history with the troublesome  billionaire who briefly owned RC in the '80s,  

Victor Posner. Triarc tried to  resuscitate the flailing brand,  
Victor Posner. Triarc tried to  resuscitate the flailing brand,  

pouring in an additional $25 million to the annual  marketing budget, which somewhat picked up sales.
pouring in an additional $25 million to the annual  marketing budget, which somewhat picked up sales.

In 1999, the new owners hoped to turn  around the company's previous Diet  
In 1999, the new owners hoped to turn  around the company's previous Diet  

Rite controversy by partnering with  Johnson & Johnson on a new sweetener  
Rite controversy by partnering with  Johnson & Johnson on a new sweetener  

and a national ad campaign centered  on medical marketing. AdAge reported  
and a national ad campaign centered  on medical marketing. AdAge reported  

that RC's diet soda didn't even make  the top 10 best-selling diet drinks.
that RC's diet soda didn't even make  the top 10 best-selling diet drinks.

According to Royal Crown Cola International, in a  mishmash of crisscrossing acquisitions, by 2000,  
According to Royal Crown Cola International, in a  mishmash of crisscrossing acquisitions, by 2000,  

the RC Cola brand was acquired by  Cadbury Schweppes, then moved to  
the RC Cola brand was acquired by  Cadbury Schweppes, then moved to  

the Dr Pepper Snapple Group, which itself  is now called Keurig Dr Pepper. In 2001,  
the Dr Pepper Snapple Group, which itself  is now called Keurig Dr Pepper. In 2001,  

the Cott Corporation acquired the rights  to the international side of RC Cola sales.
the Cott Corporation acquired the rights  to the international side of RC Cola sales.

Columbus, Georgia is the birthplace of RC Cola,  and in many ways, the soft drink industry. It's  
Columbus, Georgia is the birthplace of RC Cola,  and in many ways, the soft drink industry. It's  

inevitable, then, that the fountain beverage  would enjoy some sort of historical tribute.
inevitable, then, that the fountain beverage  would enjoy some sort of historical tribute.

According to WRBL, if you venture to  River Market Antiques on Hamilton Road,  
According to WRBL, if you venture to  River Market Antiques on Hamilton Road,  

you'll find the RC Cola Museum showcasing rare  memorabilia and knick-knacks related to the drink,  
you'll find the RC Cola Museum showcasing rare  memorabilia and knick-knacks related to the drink,  

including a syrup dispenser  that's the only one of its kind.
including a syrup dispenser  that's the only one of its kind.

The museum, which opened in 2021, has been  a hit with visitors. Owner Allen Woodall  
The museum, which opened in 2021, has been  a hit with visitors. Owner Allen Woodall  

told WRBL that the museum is dedicated to the  locals who built RC Cola from the ground up,  
told WRBL that the museum is dedicated to the  locals who built RC Cola from the ground up,  

either working in its bottling plants or  selling it in mom-and-pop stores around  
either working in its bottling plants or  selling it in mom-and-pop stores around  

town. Speaking about the museum Woodall said -
town. Speaking about the museum Woodall said -

"It's affected many, many, thousands of  lives in Columbus and the surrounding  
"It's affected many, many, thousands of  lives in Columbus and the surrounding  

areas. We're just proud that we can  have this museum for all the former  
areas. We're just proud that we can  have this museum for all the former  

employees and the people that love these museums."
employees and the people that love these museums."

Of course, Coca-Cola would go on to  steal the spotlight from RC Cola,  
Of course, Coca-Cola would go on to  steal the spotlight from RC Cola,  

reducing it to a minor footnote in the history  books. Regardless of that, RC Cola has a history,  
reducing it to a minor footnote in the history  books. Regardless of that, RC Cola has a history,  

and it's one worth preserving behind glass so  soda fans can explore its past and present.  
and it's one worth preserving behind glass so  soda fans can explore its past and present.  

In addition to the RC Cola Museum, the  building houses other museums including  
In addition to the RC Cola Museum, the  building houses other museums including  

The Nehi Drink Museum, The Lunchbox Museum,  and the Georgia Radio and Hall of Fame Museum.
The Nehi Drink Museum, The Lunchbox Museum,  and the Georgia Radio and Hall of Fame Museum.

"These are memory capsules  is what these museums are."
"These are memory capsules  is what these museums are."

According to Contagious, Royal Crown's  dirt-cheap pricing helped it stay competitive  
According to Contagious, Royal Crown's  dirt-cheap pricing helped it stay competitive  

with Coke and Pepsi in the Philippines.  But when a government-backed sugar tax  
with Coke and Pepsi in the Philippines.  But when a government-backed sugar tax  

caused soda prices to soar in 2018, RC Cola  lost its economic advantage on the market.
caused soda prices to soar in 2018, RC Cola  lost its economic advantage on the market.

Rather than settle for sluggish profits, the  brand decided to make waves through the power  
Rather than settle for sluggish profits, the  brand decided to make waves through the power  

of advertising, and the result was a series  of mind-bending commercials whose method to  
of advertising, and the result was a series  of mind-bending commercials whose method to  

success may as well have been operating under  the strategy of the weirder the ad, the better.
success may as well have been operating under  the strategy of the weirder the ad, the better.

The 'Basta' campaign, which means 'whatever'  in Tagalog, consisted of seemingly mundane  
The 'Basta' campaign, which means 'whatever'  in Tagalog, consisted of seemingly mundane  

scenarios that all took unexpected turns that,  somehow, led directly to drinking RC Cola.
scenarios that all took unexpected turns that,  somehow, led directly to drinking RC Cola.

Unsurprisingly, the ads quickly went viral:  Ad Age reported that there were over a million  
Unsurprisingly, the ads quickly went viral:  Ad Age reported that there were over a million  

views on launch day, with 51 million accrued over  months following its premiere. The U.S. couldn't  
views on launch day, with 51 million accrued over  months following its premiere. The U.S. couldn't  

get enough of them either, between trending on  Twitter and getting a shout-out on The Ellen Show.
get enough of them either, between trending on  Twitter and getting a shout-out on The Ellen Show.

Gigil, the creative firm behind it,  intended to cause a stir by going big,  
Gigil, the creative firm behind it,  intended to cause a stir by going big,  

with managing partner Jake  Yrastorza telling Contagious:
with managing partner Jake  Yrastorza telling Contagious:

"I always say that it is more expensive to  be safe than it is to be brave. Because when  
"I always say that it is more expensive to  be safe than it is to be brave. Because when  

you play things safe, your ideas  are not going to travel as far."
you play things safe, your ideas  are not going to travel as far."

Clearly, the strategy worked because according  to Business World, RC Cola's sales spiked 67%.
Clearly, the strategy worked because according  to Business World, RC Cola's sales spiked 67%.

Underground art shows or dance clubs seem to  always take place in warehouses. One of Florida's  
Underground art shows or dance clubs seem to  always take place in warehouses. One of Florida's  

top venues, RC Cola Plant, was, believe it or  not, a former bottling plant for Royal Crown Cola.
top venues, RC Cola Plant, was, believe it or  not, a former bottling plant for Royal Crown Cola.

A major fixture in the Wynwood Arts District,  it's a colorful, graffiti-plastered hub that hosts  
A major fixture in the Wynwood Arts District,  it's a colorful, graffiti-plastered hub that hosts  

every big event imaginable, from music festivals  and DJ sets to globe-spanning art exhibits.
every big event imaginable, from music festivals  and DJ sets to globe-spanning art exhibits.

Imagining the facility's dramatic  transformation into an edgy,  
Imagining the facility's dramatic  transformation into an edgy,  

envelope-pushing locale feels almost  absurd to think about. At the same time,  
envelope-pushing locale feels almost  absurd to think about. At the same time,  

its origin story is actually pretty clear-cut.  After Posner obtained RC Cola in the 1980s, the  
its origin story is actually pretty clear-cut.  After Posner obtained RC Cola in the 1980s, the  

brand shifted the site of its company headquarters  from Atlanta to the sun-drenched coasts of Miami.
brand shifted the site of its company headquarters  from Atlanta to the sun-drenched coasts of Miami.

As Abandoned Florida explains, the plant  chugged along for the next decade until  
As Abandoned Florida explains, the plant  chugged along for the next decade until  

shutting down in 1993 following Posner's financial  schemes. From there, the building stood empty,  
shutting down in 1993 following Posner's financial  schemes. From there, the building stood empty,  

and served as a blank canvas for local  graffiti artists. Thierry Isambert reports  
and served as a blank canvas for local  graffiti artists. Thierry Isambert reports  

that the venue was eventually being  repurposed into a public art space.
that the venue was eventually being  repurposed into a public art space.

Mana Public Arts, which owns the  venue, has facilitated an array of  
Mana Public Arts, which owns the  venue, has facilitated an array of  

projects celebrating street art in all its  forms. According to Street Art NYC, in 2016,  
projects celebrating street art in all its  forms. According to Street Art NYC, in 2016,  

artists from Florida and New York gathered  during Miami Art Week to deck out the venue  
artists from Florida and New York gathered  during Miami Art Week to deck out the venue  

in expansive murals as part of a team-up between  the organization and The Bushwick Collective.
in expansive murals as part of a team-up between  the organization and The Bushwick Collective.

In 2017, RC Cola made headlines when  a Twitter post mocked President Donald  
In 2017, RC Cola made headlines when  a Twitter post mocked President Donald  

Trump's now-infamous "covfefe" typo, tweeting -
Trump's now-infamous "covfefe" typo, tweeting -

"We have no plans to release any  covfefe flavored cola. If you want  
"We have no plans to release any  covfefe flavored cola. If you want  

the taste of incompetence there are  other sodas more readily available."
the taste of incompetence there are  other sodas more readily available."

Business Insider reports however that the  account that wrote the tweet, @OfficialRCCola,  
Business Insider reports however that the  account that wrote the tweet, @OfficialRCCola,  

wasn't actually official at all. A random  internet user had created the account,  
wasn't actually official at all. A random  internet user had created the account,  

and prior to the above commotion had  been tweeting from it for two months.
and prior to the above commotion had  been tweeting from it for two months.

Predictably, RC Cola's parent company was  not pleased by the antics. Keurig Dr. Pepper  
Predictably, RC Cola's parent company was  not pleased by the antics. Keurig Dr. Pepper  

immediately denounced the post on Twitter,  and attempted to get the profile taken down.  
immediately denounced the post on Twitter,  and attempted to get the profile taken down.  

Within days, The Comeback confirmed  that the account had been suspended.
Within days, The Comeback confirmed  that the account had been suspended.

All publicity is good publicity, as the old  refrain goes, and this was probably the first  
All publicity is good publicity, as the old  refrain goes, and this was probably the first  

time in years the soda company was front and  center of a viral kerfuffle. And after years  
time in years the soda company was front and  center of a viral kerfuffle. And after years  

of being off the social media grid, the  real RC Cola even got a Twitter account.
of being off the social media grid, the  real RC Cola even got a Twitter account.

Today, Cott Beverages boasts that its version of  Royal Crown is made with pure cane sugar. The diet  
Today, Cott Beverages boasts that its version of  Royal Crown is made with pure cane sugar. The diet  

alternative, Royal Crown Cola Slim, blends in some  stevia for 50% fewer calories. Keurig Dr Pepper,  
alternative, Royal Crown Cola Slim, blends in some  stevia for 50% fewer calories. Keurig Dr Pepper,  

meanwhile, oversees a slew of soft drinks  in its portfolio — including RC Cola.
meanwhile, oversees a slew of soft drinks  in its portfolio — including RC Cola.

Mental Floss explained in 2015 that no RC  Cola product was close to the top of soda  
Mental Floss explained in 2015 that no RC  Cola product was close to the top of soda  

sales charts despite its dedicated fans in  the South, presence in Chicago pizzerias,  
sales charts despite its dedicated fans in  the South, presence in Chicago pizzerias,  

and even an old-timey Southern song that pairs it  up with Moon Pies. Its multi-year sponsorship of  
and even an old-timey Southern song that pairs it  up with Moon Pies. Its multi-year sponsorship of  

race car driver Marco Andretti, inked in 2013,  also didn't do much to change RC's fortunes.
race car driver Marco Andretti, inked in 2013,  also didn't do much to change RC's fortunes.

RC Cola is sold in 67 countries around  the world — and remains a top seller  
RC Cola is sold in 67 countries around  the world — and remains a top seller  

in the Philippines. Stateside, it remains a  beloved Southern underdog that's worth sipping.
in the Philippines. Stateside, it remains a  beloved Southern underdog that's worth sipping.