Boycott Dr Pepper?

The Dr Pepper logo hints at the drink's rich history.

Plano-based Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Inc. (DPS) and Dr Pepper Bottling Co. of Dublin finally resolved their legal battle over trademark infringement and territorial selling rights. The lawsuits were dismissed after both companies reached an agreement. DPS bought all the sales and distribution operations, along with the right to distribute in the six counties.

Texas Original
The small-town produced Dublin Dr Pepper is dead, but Dr Pepper made with cane sugar is still available. So, what's the big deal? Dr Pepper was born in a Waco drug store in 1885. In 1891, Sam Houston Prim tasted the new concoction and decided to sell it in his Dublin bottling plant.

One-time owner of the plant, Bill Kloster, collected and preserved Dr Pepper memorabilia to create the W.P. Kloster Museum. Under his leadership, the Dublin plant continued to sweeten its soda with Imperial Pure Cane Sugar long before it was trendy and long after its competitors switched to corn syrup to pad their bottom line.

Dublin residents embraced the company and celebrated its status as the world's oldest Dr Pepper bottling plant with an annual festival, drawing tourists and boosting the local economy. The city temporarily changed its name to Dr Pepper during the celebration.

$Business$ vs. $$Business$$
The lawsuit and countersuit both had financial motives. All things considered, the outcome was not so bad for Dr Pepper Bottling Co. of Dublin, now called Dublin Bottling Works. According to a press release, "It will continue to produce other soft drinks at its bottling facility and operate its museum and Old Doc’s Soda Shop, offering tours and selling soft drinks, food and officially licensed Dr Pepper merchandise. DPS will continue to support the popular 'Dr Pepper, Texas' celebration as well as the related '10-2-4k' run held each June in Dublin."

During an era of Occupy Wall Street and massive financial uncertainty, it is easy to empathize with the little guy and small community that lost jobs along with its rich legacy. Maybe that is why the call to boycott Dr Pepper is so strong.

It seems like both companies could have found a more comfortable solution. Why didn't Dublin backtrack and abide by the restrictive selling agreement? Located 2 hours outside of Dallas, Dublin is not so distant that fans would stop buying their beloved drink. In the meantime, supporters could have appealed to DPS to extend Dublin's selling territory.

Why did DPS disrupt Dublin's 100+ year tradition when it is something that makes Dr Pepper so unique? By embracing the tradition, and letting Dublin keep its name on the bottle, DPS could have appealed to a broad group of consumers by bridging the gap between big business and small town traditions while offering a highly coveted product.

Where's Wendy?
More importantly, what did DPS do with Wendy the Snapple Lady? Wendy Kaufman was on VH1's "Celebrity Fit Club" a couple of times, but didn't mention Snapple. It turns out, she says she got the boot from Snapple. In 2009, she said she still loved Snapple, but didn't feel the same about the management, “The people who run it now…. they are morons and they do not care about this brand and its history,” she said. “I love Snapple… Just not the people… and the memory of Snapple…. It’s weird, I know.”

Boycott Dr Pepper?


Even for fervent supporters, boycotting Dr Pepper isn't as easy as it sounds because the company produces so many beverages. Will a boycott make a difference at this stage?

Club Jarritos stickers

Are you a Jarritos fan? The cola company has a rewards program with interesting prizes. Joining Club Jarritos earns ten points, enough for the 6-pack of stickers. Go for the quick prize or save up for the bottle cap earrings.

The original program required mailing in specially marked bottle caps to earn points. Those points are still valid. Here are the details from the Jarritos site:

“You can continue sending in your bottle caps with points until December 31, 2011. First, register with Club Jarritos. Please place your bottle caps with points in a padded enveloped or any appropriate package, include your first, last name and your email address and send to:

Club Jarritos Headquarters
PO Box 181629
Dallas, TX 75218-8629”

The rewards program is available through the end of the year.

Starbucks Treat Receipts are Back

If you make a morning run to Starbucks, you can bring your receipt in the afternoon and buy a Grande cold beverage for $2. This promo lasts through September 5, 2011.

Here are the details straight from Starbucks:

"Starbucks Treat Receipt offers customers a refreshing afternoon break with their favorite Starbucks® cold beverage. From July 18 through September 5, 2011, customers who make a purchase in the morning can bring in their receipt after 2 p.m. and enjoy any Grande cold beverage (16 fl. oz) for just $2 (plus tax) at participating Starbucks stores* in the U.S. and Canada."

Sundae Shake Disappoints, Is this how you SONIC?

Sonic website screen capture

Sonic keeps showing this fun commercial with an angry robot who is upset he cannot try the new Sundae Shake because it's people food. He has a point. The faux metallic cups do make it seem as those these drinks could be robot-friendly. Maybe there is some alternate universe where he could order one with a thick drizzle of premium motor oil instead of chocolate syrup.

Here in the regular human world, I decided to try Sonic's new Sundae Shake. Here's the scrumptious description from its website:

"Classic Hot Fudge Sundae Shake

An American original, perfected by SONIC. Real ice cream hand mixed with hot-fudge and finished with whipped topping rising from a sea of even more hot fudge. Don't forget the cherry on top. Now grab a straw y'all."

Sonic Sundae Shake, $2.59

Look Ma, No Straw!

This drink melted a little bit before it's photo session. However, it is clear that cup was never filled all the way. There was no "sea of even more hot fudge" and they did forget the cherry on top. When asked about the cherry, the carhop said they did not add those because of the cost. Huh?

And there was no straw to grab. I get that it is supposed to be a drinkable sundae so there is no spoon, but what happened to the straw? (It was not in the bag.) All I have at home are these skinny pink straws that are not compatible with the milkshake experience.

Sonic Classic Hot Fudge Sundae Review
Non-brain-freeze-induced mini headache aside, this is not something I would not order again. The thin cup did not do much to keep the shake cool. Even if it were better executed, it tastes like a Wendy's Frosty with that subtle blend of vanilla and chocolate. Although Dave Thomas was a genius to create that flavor, it isn't what I expected from this $2.59 shake.

Because of the thick texture, I think this is more of a spoonable dessert than a beverage. I would rather spend $3 elsewhere for a well-made hand-dipped shake that actually fills the cup and matches the menu description.