BREAKING: Glen Rock Beverages is making a spectacular comeback in Waukegan, reviving nostalgia for many residents nearly 35 years after it ceased operations. Owner Keith Michalek is taking his 12-flavor pop trailer to Lake County events, reigniting memories of a beloved local brand.
The response has been overwhelming. “It tastes exactly the same. It’s a trip down memory lane,” said Mary Ellen Vanderventer, a Waukegan native. Mayor Sam Cunningham echoed this sentiment, stating, “He’s rebuilding a business here, and it’s exciting for the community.” The trailer, conveniently located near the Waukegan Harbor & Marina, is battery-operated, ensuring an eco-friendly experience.
Residents are reminiscing about childhood trips to the original Glen Rock facility. “We’d go there once a week when I was growing up,” recalled Amanda Milewski, now an administrator for Waukegan Community Unit School District 6. “It was our weekly field trip.” The excitement is palpable, with many eager to relive those cherished moments.
Michalek began this revival in February 2023. He aims to distribute directly from Waukegan, with plans to secure a facility for production. His goal? To achieve 25,000 returnable bottles within two years, making it feasible to bring back the original bottling experience. “When we have those bottles in a storage facility in Waukegan, Glen Rock will be back,” he stated confidently.
The community is rallying around Michalek’s efforts, with 18 retailers already committed to selling or serving the drinks. “This is a feel-good moment for everyone who grew up in the era of Glen Rock beverages,” said Cunningham. “It will be good for him and the entire community.”
What sets Glen Rock apart? Michalek has secured the original recipes from the last owner, ensuring the drinks are made with cane sugar instead of corn syrup, just as they were decades ago. “I found a bottler in Wisconsin who fills and carbonates the pop,” he explained.
The nostalgic marketing is also in full swing, with merchandise like T-shirts available for fans. “If only I could send a T-shirt to my siblings,” exclaimed Bretzlauf, a lifelong Waukegan resident.
As Michalek continues to set up his operation, he’s already making appearances at local markets and events, driving up interest in the brand. “I’m happy to reintroduce an old flavor to the community I knew everyone was missing,” said Jeremiah Johnson, owner of Quonset Pizza and a Waukegan Park District commissioner.
The excitement surrounding Glen Rock Beverages is not just about the product; it’s a testament to community resilience and shared history. “It was a staple here,” Cunningham emphasized. As the revival unfolds, residents are encouraged to support this nostalgic initiative, ensuring that Glen Rock Beverages is once again a part of Waukegan’s vibrant culture.
Stay tuned for more updates as Glen Rock Beverages continues to make strides in the community!
