Atlanta Journal Constitution
If you eagerly anticipate the arrival of pumpkin spice everything each year, we’ve got one more variation that you need to try: pumpkin spice soda from Philadelphia-based Hank’s Gourmet Beverages…
Hanks’ Gourmet Beverages is a family business based in Philadelphia, with a history in the beverage industry that goes back over 40 years. Hank’s Root Beer was first introduced in 1995 and since then we’ve grown where you can find our product in stores in over 40 states and always online. Hank’s initial success was in the restaurant trade in Philadelphia and surrounding areas. Consumer demand drove expansion into all types of accounts, from chain and upscale restaurants, to delicatessens, supermarket chains, and hotels. Hank’s offers a full line of gourmet flavor premium beverages, and is sold in over 40 states in every region of the nation.
Hank’s Gourmet Beverages are created with premium ingredients creating a richer, creamier taste sensation, appreciated by both young and old. In addition, our award winning, unique, upscale packaging is superior to other premium beverages, and sets us apart from the competition.
Hank’s has worked hard to create the ultimate in gourmet quality beverages and packaging. We are committed to providing consumers with the type of products they are looking for and are continuously working to create new, innovative, premium beverages.
OUR MISSION: At Hank’s, we want our fans to drink, eat and live well, and our partners – distributors, retailers and dining places – to be both profitable and proud to be in-business with us. We endeavor to have Hank’s everywhere, and celebrate the people – employees, partners and fans – who help us get there.
Rooted in Beer
In 1958, Frank “Hank” Salvatore founded a Philadelphia-based beer distributorship where he sold to On-Premise (bar & restaurant) accounts. These clients noted a lack of excitement over the non-alcoholic beer brands available in the early ‘90s. The family created another drink to satisfy this demand and decided on Root Beer.
Vision
Philly’s Own 3X Over Philadelphia was not only the birthplace of Root Beer, but also the home to the nation’s oldest beverage flavoring firm. Hank’s had hired a New Products genius, who convinced the family to acquire a 100-year-old recipe from a former Philly brand. Hank's was then born in 1995 and began selling locally in 1996.
Pioneers in Quality
All About Our Flavor. Hank’s emphasized Quality to compete in better bars and eateries. We packed our soda in a custom-sculpted amber bottle complete with cartouche and neck label, resembling the best premium beers. We were also the first to use real sugar and historically deep flavor profiles. Our bottle and soda flavors won awards, rave reviews and an aggressive, loyal regional following that soon spread which spurred our growth.
Focus on Fans, Foodies and Attitude
In the 90s, Hank’s was ahead of its time another way: “We were GOURMET before gourmet was cool.” This occurred as food-consciousness was exploding, and our brand added fans – not just customers, including chefs, foodies & Philly’s casual dining (cheesesteak) lovers who pulled us across the Mid-Atlantic.
Millenial Migration
Like beer, Craft Soda has become the enclave of Millennial males. In the mid-2000s, Hank’s commissioned a study that found these fans were settling in the suburbs. In 2017-2018, Hank’s shifted its distribution strategy to accelerate the Supermarket retail channel even more than casual dining. Fans found us in the Soda Aisles.
'Tis the Season for Stories
In 2019, Hank’s began adding seasonal editions and using all assets to tell our story and the results have been phenomenal.
Hank’s is award-winning and recognized for its flavor, standing out above the rest! Check out what some in the press are saying about Hank’s beverages.
The SodaFry Craft Soda and Fry Reviews
Hank’s sent me a case of sodas in the hope that I would review their seasonal offerings. The Caramel Apple Cream soda was outstanding …[Read More]
“The most important thing about Hank’s is that it doesn’t make any mistakes when it comes to taste and gets better as you drink it. It’s hard to ask more from a soda.”
Five Star Soda
This (Pumpkin Spice) soda starts with the strong spice notes and then finishes smoothly with a subtle pumpkin body. Nothing about this is cloying or fake. It works, and it works well. I had my first bottle on its own, and I drank the second bottle with some good pizza. I wouldn’t discourage either approach.
Soda Fry
A favorite of hip gourmet food devotees, soda fanatics and critics at prestigious media outlets like Eater, Grub Street and the Los Angeles Times, Hank’s Root Beer is the anchor flavor in an offering that has grown to include Diet Root Beer, Orange Cream, Grape, Birch Beer, Vanilla Cream and Wishniak Black Cherry.. This line-up reinforces Hank’s authentic, quality-driven image with upscale, award-winning packaging.
BevNet
Based in Philadelphia, Hank’s pioneered the craft beverage boom with the introduction of its much-loved Hank’s Gourmet Root Beer in 1995 – a product designed to remind loyal Philadelphians of their city’s heritage as the birthplace of root beer itself.
Philly Bite Magazine
Dalton M.
Sincerely better and better priced than Stewarts and Boylans 
Jan H.
I have been searching for a good vanilla cream soda for all of my life. I’ve tried every single one that’s been put out there, and FINALLY you answered my prayers!!! Your vanilla cream soda is SO GOOD, that I shall never have to look elsewhere again!!! Extraordinarily smooth and sweet without going overboard. I can’t give you enough accolades to describe the joy I feel after now finding the PERFECT vanilla cream soda.BRAVO!!! 
Elliot T.
Not just an exceptional product, but remarkable ownership.I got a call from an uncle, who was handing the affairs and celebration of life for his late father, named Hank. He’d been hearing about Hank’s Rootbeer and thought it would be fitting to have Hank’s Rootbeer at the event. Being I live near Philly, and the event was out in Indiana, I told him I’d sort it out.Using Google Maps given I was in the area, I decide to swing by the actual venue of production. I end up however, not at a retailer, but at the corporate offices. I explained to Tony that I was looking to purchase retail product, and he explained that I’d need do that at any of the local distributors.Not every day someone shows up at corporate, so he asked how I ended up in his office, and I explain my goal. He pauses, and then explains given he’s about my age, that it was his father to started the company, and he as well went by ‘Hank,’ hence the name. Talk about the universe aligning!He graciously gave me the stock he had on hand, as a gift to the family, for which we are incredibly appreciative. The sodas were an absolute hit, and I got to share the story with the family, who found it fitting that things worked out that way…nobody was surprised and we all marveled at the circumstances.Thanks to Tony and the rest of the Hank’s team, we’re eternal fans! 
John S.
Tried the Black Cherry with a premium cigar today. I’m a new fan! 
Daniel P.
I have to stay away from sugar and your diet root beer is the best. It’s not gained popularity in my area but it will. Best I’ve ever had. 
OotsieLuvr
Absolutely divine sodas, the orange cream and root beer are totally da bomb! 11/10 
B E
Their birch beer and root beer taste amazing 
Corrine C.
Hank’s is one of the most favorable enjoyable soda beverages I’ve ever had I love the blackberry . You have to try it for yourself five stars 
Pawprint1
Never went to the place my self and instead bought the soda from the store and they make one of the best sodas I’ve ever tasted in my life time. 
Andrew
Best soda I ever tasted on my tongue. 
Sam C.
J. K. S.
I LOVE THE BIRCH BEER! I can’t get it at home in metro Atlanta, but I try to get it here in Philadelphia. Tony from home office was able get me a site to purchase in bulk to take home 
Karen D.
Black cherry was fantastic 
William L.
Taste it and see. Their Cream Soda is Awesome too! 
O S.
I stopped too quickly with some root beer in my car, and it spilled. So, I figured I’d ask if they’d comp me one. They were incredibly kind and are sending me a new bottle of root beer! Highly highly recommend!! 
Dana Scott W.
Had this root beer in Glen Rose Texas. Best I have ever tasted. It would be great if Bucees stocked it. ×
