NEW YORK — Uncle Waithley’s Beverage Co. has launched an equity crowdfunding round to support its nationwide expansion. The start-up sells and distributes non-alcoholic, small-batch ginger beer blended with Scotch Bonnet, a pepper popular in Caribbean and African cultures.
Founder Karl Franz Williams, a restaurateur and mixologist, developed the drink from a family recipe inspired by his grandfather, Uncle Weasley, a ginger farmer who lived on St. Vincent. Uncle Waithley’s Vincy Brew is infused with Scotch Bonnet Pepper, Ginger, Turmeric, Lime and Mineral Water.
Early in his career, Mr. Williams held brand management, marketing and innovation roles at PepsiCo and Procter & Gamble.
“A lot has happened in the past year since we launched the brand at Whole Foods Market in Harlem in early 2022,” Williams said. “We will start selling Fastest Ginger Beer in that store, expand to 14 more Whole Foods stores by October, and be in stores at all 56 of his stores in the Northeast by late February 2023. We are going to line up.
“We have also expanded our online presence beyond Amazon to include Boisson, Reserve Bar and Minibar, and are rapidly growing our on-premise account list, which is now over 40 accounts. I am happy that many people who recognize the quality and quality of our products and become repeat customers are pleased.”
Uncle Waithley’s Beverage Co. plans to launch new flavors, expand its team and invest in marketing. The company sells up to 145,183 shares at $7.37 per share, with a pre-money valuation of $8 million. The company has raised her $86,000 just one week after opening its funding round. Investors can learn more at startengine.com/offering/unclewaithleys.
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