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Crafting Real Soda with Time-Honored Recipes for over 100 years

Our History

Kutztown Soda Works has been one of Kutztown’s longest-running beverage makers. For over a century, we’ve bottled authentic, handcrafted sodas — made the old-fashioned way, with pure cane sugar and without artificial sweeteners.

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1851
The Beginning

Ed Immel begins bottling beverages from a spring near Main St. & Constitution Blvd.

1888
Ownership Changes

Cyrus Rhode and his son John purchase Immel’s business and establish a bottling plant behind their homes on Peach Street.

1890–1905
Sharadin Era

The business is operated by Harry B. Sharadin, continuing the local bottling tradition.

1905–1920
Dreibelbis Era

Joseph Dreibelbis takes ownership and runs the bottling operation for the next 15 years.

1928
Keodinger Revitalizes the Brand

Percy H. Keodinger acquires the business, modernizes operations, and expands into soft drinks, including his now-legendary birch beer recipe.

1920-1933
Prohibition Leads to Innovation

With beer production restricted, Keodinger focuses on crafting and expanding soft drink flavors — a shift that becomes core to the company’s identity.

1940
A New Home

Keodinger purchases the former Leibovitz Shirt Factory at 78–80 S. Whiteoak Street, transforming it into the company’s long-term headquarters.

Post-WWII
The Bieber Family Takes Charge

After Keodinger’s passing, nephews Donald “Barney” Bieber and Elly Bieber run the operation and officially purchase the business in 1962.

1989
The Miller Family Era

Ownership passes to Audrey (Keodinger’s granddaughter) and Donald “Spike” Miller, continuing the family legacy.

2002
Rebranding as Kutztown Soda Works

The business is restructured and rebranded to focus on its heritage soda brands, led by their son Tom.

2007-Present
The Taylor Family

Jeff and Dana Taylor purchase the company in December 2007 and continue to honor the original recipes and traditions of Kutztown Soda Works.

Ready for a Better Soda?

Experience the flavors that have made Kutztown Soda Works a local favorite for over 170 years. Old-fashioned quality, delivered to your door.

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