In 1898, Edward Barq took a significant step by opening the Biloxi Artesian Bottling Works in Mississippi. Two years later, he introduced what would become their most famous product: Barq’s Root Beer. The drink's distinctive taste and effervescence quickly captured the public's imagination, leading to its rapid rise in popularity. By 1937, Barq’s had expanded to 62 bottling plants across 22 states, and by 1950, the number of plants had peaked at around 200.
However, this success was not without challenges. In 1938, the U.S. federal government banned caffeine in root beer, prompting Barq to adapt. He rebranded the drink as "Barq's Sr." and developed a caffeine-free version. When the caffeine ban was lifted in 1960, the original recipe returned, leading to some confusion over the product's name. While many referred to it as Barq's Root Beer, Edward Barq was known to correct them, emphasizing, "Barq's, son. Just Barq's."
In 1976, the Biloxi Company was acquired by entrepreneurs John Koerner and John Oudt, who began marketing Barq’s nationally. By this time, the brand had grown to be bottled in over 400 plants, solidifying its presence in the American beverage landscape. The culmination of Barq’s success came in 1988 when The Coca-Cola Company acquired The Biloxi Company, integrating Barq’s into its global portfolio.
Today, Barq’s remains a beloved soft drink, celebrated for its rich history and unique flavor. Its journey from a small family operation in New Orleans to a nationally recognized brand underlines the resilience and adaptability of the Barq family, whose legacy continues to fizz and refresh across the country.
The Evolution of Barq’s: A Soft Drink Legacy
