According to a news release, Route 66 Soda & Bottling Co. of Wilmington, Ill., was acquired by Route 66 Sodas LLC on March 1.
The company was founded by Larry Tarantolo in 1996, a longtime supporter of the road. The rechistened company is led by Scott A. Cameron.
The acquisition includes the soft drink formulas originally created and developed by Route 66 Soda & Bottling Co. for Route 66 Route (Root) Beer, Lucky 66 Orange Soda and Lucky 66 Lime Soda.
“Our products are currently available throughout the Route 66 States in many locations including Restaurants, Drive-Ins, Gift Shops, Trading Posts, Gas Stations, Motels, Hotels, Tourist Attractions and Museums, and have been featured soft drink products at numerous Festivals, Shows and Celebrations,” Cameron said, making the announcement from the company’s headquarters in Wilmington, Illinois.
“In addition to the millions of residents along Route 66, we are excited with the increasing international popularity of America’s Highway. Estimates indicate in excess of 300,000 tourists visited portions of Route 66 in 2006 and those numbers are expected to increase dramatically in future years. Because of this, our products have been introduced to visitors from around the World. We are proud to be associated with this icon of Americana (Route 66) and eager to increase the distribution and availability of our soft drink products.”
It sounds like the new company is keeping things the same, except to increase its distribution. As long as the quality remains stable, especially with its excellent root beer, this is a good thing.