Ben and Perry Feigenson, who were bakers in Russia, began Feigenson Brothers Bottling Works on November 4, 1907 in Detroit. Their Original flavors, Fruit Punch, Strawberry, and Grape were based upon their own cake frosting recipes. That's why these, and the flavors they developed later, were (and still are) so unique. They produced the soda on one day, closed the factory the next day, loaded the product on a horse drawn wagon, and sold it for 3 cents or 2 for a nickel. They and their families lived above the plant. In the winter, when less soda was sold, they supplemented their incomes by selling bread and fish.
The Feigenson families moved to individual homes, and hired their first employees, and bought their second horse for deliveries. They added Lithiated Lemon and Sassafras Soda (Root Beer) to their product line. They also began calling their products "pop," because of the sound made when opening a bottle.
In 1921, the Feigenson brothers changed the brand name to "Faygo," because "Feigenson Brothers Bottling Works" was too long to put on the bottles. The Feigenson brothers bought their first delivery truck, a 1922 Ford. New products were Rock & Rye, (which immediately became a must with a corned beef sandwich) Vanilla and Seltzer from a siphon bottle. Home deliveries were initiated in 1923.
In 1935, Faygo expanded its manufacturing facilities and moved its current Detroit location on Gratiot Avenue. Faygo also added fresh orange juice to its Orange Soda.
Faygo hired Detroit-based advertising agency W.B. Doner to create commercials for the soda pop products. Faygo created a new, richer Root Beer and introducing "UpTown," a lemon lime soda.
The animated "Faygo Kid" commercial appeared on television, with the famous line, "Which way did he go? Which way did he go? He went for Faaaaygoooooo!" Also appearing on television was the animated Faygo "Herkimer and Bottle Blower" commercial. Herkimer was "too pooped to participate" until he drank UpTown pop. Faygo also significantly upgraded its manufacturing facility, including a state-of-the-art water treatment plant.
Faygo changed the name of Strawberry soda officially to "Redpop." Faygo introduced a full line of diet, sugar-free items, which soon accounted for more than 50% of Faygo's overall business. Faygo also introduced Frosh, Faygo Brau and Chateaux Faygeaux. Only Frosh remains. Faygo pioneered one-way bottles, twist-off caps and warehouse distribution.
Faygo marketed its specially treated water, launching a line of flavored sparkling waters. In 1986 National Beverage Corp. of Ft. Lauderdale, FL purchased beverages.
Faygo introduced Cherry Festival, made with real Michigan cherries, and named for the annual Traverse City, Michigan event. In 1996, Faygo's launched its first effort with non-carbonated products. Named "Ohana," (Hawaiian for family), there are Punch, Mango Punch, Lemon Ice Tea, Lemonade and Kiwi-Strawberry. 1997, Faygo celebrated its 90th Anniversary with a contest to create a special edition 90th Anniversary Recipe Book. In 1998, Faygo entered the Internet age with its first website and online Faygo POPshop for customers to purchase Faygo from anywhere in the continental U.S.
Faygo entered the new millennium with a "Fame & Fortune Dreamstakes: to let customers and fans design and name their own label and flavor to win $2,500.00. In 2001, Faygo re-designs its logo and packaging along with a new website using Macromedia Flash streaming technology, dynamic content and animated graphics. Faygo announces a classic 16-oz. glass bottle with an old-fashioned label design. Faygo Candy Apple, Moon Mist Red and Moon Mist Blue flavors goes on sale. |
