Royal Crown Cola Logo PNG
The emblem’s large, three-dimensional symbols create a sweet, memorable taste. The Royal Crown Cola logo emphasizes an enhanced take on the familiar cola recipe. All brand drinks deserve royalty’s attention.
Royal Crown Cola began in Columbus, Georgia, inside the basement of a grocery warehouse. In 1901, Claude Hatcher, his father, and two partners founded Cole-Hatcher-Hampton Grocery. By 1903, the Hatchers had bought out the partners and renamed it Hatcher Grocery Co.
The break came in 1905 after Hatcher argued with Coca-Cola salesman Columbus Roberts over bulk pricing. Hatcher refused to keep buying outside drinks and began testing formulas in the store’s basement. The first Royal Crown product was Royal Crown Ginger Ale, followed by Royal Crown Strawberry and Royal Crown Root Beer. In 1907, Chero-Cola appeared, and Union Bottling Company was formed.
By 1912, the business had become the Chero-Cola Company and was selling franchises. By 1920, it had 700 partner plants. A 1923 lawsuit forced Coca-Cola to remove “cola” from its flagship name, so it shifted focus to Nehi fruit drinks in 1924. In 1928, the company became Nehi Corporation.
After Claude Hatcher died in 1933, H. R. Mott restructured the company and asked chemist Rufus Kamm to create a new cola. Royal Crown Cola, launched in 1934, reached 47 of 48 states by 1940 and used stars such as Joan Crawford, Lucille Ball, Bob Hope, Ronald Reagan, and Shirley Temple in its advertising. RC later introduced canned soda in 1954, Diet Rite Cola in 1958, RC 100 in 1980, and Royal Crown Draft Cola in 1995. After deals involving Triarc, Cadbury Schweppes, Cott Beverages, Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, and Keurig Green Mountain, RC Cola became part of Keurig Dr. Pepper in the U.S.
Meaning and History
This brand name is closely associated with a store that opened in 1901 on West 10th Street in Columbus, Georgia. Two years later, the Hatcher family took sole ownership and renamed it the Hatcher Grocery Store. At the same time, the demand for soft drinks began to increase in the country, so every grocery store tried to add them to its range. Claud A. Hatcher also decided to seize the moment and profit. He purchased a large quantity of Coca-Cola syrup from a local Columbus Roberts and began selling it.
However, when he ordered the next batch, the manufacturer refused to give him a discount for the bulk purchase, even though the grocery store owner was buying a large volume of drinks. Then a quarrel broke out between them, laying the foundation for the world-famous RC Cola brand. The retailer-developer added a few more components to his recipe, in addition to the usual ingredients, which improved the product’s taste. The first version of Royal Crown Ginger Ale was released in 1905. The soft drink’s actual name was introduced in 1934.
The company has also innovated in several specialized areas. It was the first to offer a non-alcoholic drink in tin and aluminum cans, introduce Diet Coke, and replace corn syrup with cane sugar. The brand changed hands many times, was bought and sold, merged with other companies, and changed hands again, so it has a rich history of logos, with six in total.
What is Royal Crown Cola?
This American soft drink company created a cola with a smooth, balanced taste distinct from other well-known brands. Based in Columbus, Georgia, the company developed a unique recipe using natural flavors and fruit essences. In addition to the classic version, the lineup includes various RC-branded sodas, including diet options. A defining characteristic of this brand is its positioning as an “alternative cola,” appealing to consumers seeking an alternative to the mainstream market.
1905 – 1930
The label introduced in 1905 was rectangular and consisted of red and yellow halves. The upper half was slightly larger than the lower half and contained yellow lettering on a red background. The phrase “Royal Crown” was arched. The second side of the logo was yellow and contained the third word in the drink’s name, “Cola.” It was in red. In the middle was a square labeled “RC.” The light-colored letters stood out clearly against the black background.
1930 – 1969
Almost 40 years later, the first logo redesign gave it a radically different look. It was a horizontally stretched red diamond with white inscriptions inside. The trademark name occupied the central position, above which a miniature crown with seven teeth, three at the back, two at the front, and one on the right and left, was placed. The letters were straight, chopped, and lowercase, except for the first in each word.
1969 – 1989
For the next 20 years, the logo was used in a different style and proportions. It featured a mysterious, large “O” in deep blue, with thickened sides. Inside the letter, the gap was a white circle with a massive monogram “RC,” above which the full brand name was visible. It was typed in thin capital lettering. The abbreviation was elegant and shaped, with flowing lines. And the designers harmoniously placed the “C” in the curve of the “R” leg. Both had pointed ends.
1989 – 1998
The next step in the Royal Crown Cola identity was a modern logo. It marked the transition of the name to the abbreviated form “RC Cola”. To make the design as attractive as possible, the designers enlarged the abbreviation, set it vertically, and underlined it with a short, expressive white stroke. Underneath it was the italic, handwritten word “Cola. It was set against a blue background, divided into four wide stripes. The drink’s full name was in the upper-left corner.
1998 – 2009
Designers left only the logo’s most visually significant elements: the white-and-blue letters “RC” with side shading and red strokes, and an arrow in a blue square.
2009 – today
After returning to the former name, the soft drink manufacturer’s emblem changed radically. Now, it features an elegant five-pronged crown and four small circles. Under the crown is the word combination “Royal Crown Cola. It is italicized, white with a blue outline and blue shadows. An abbreviated version of the name occupies the central zone. The letters “RC” are large and bold, with wide, pointed feet like those of the 1969-1989 version. The only difference between them is the triple border. The signs are also complemented by light highlights that add volume. In addition, the logo includes the year the brand was founded.
Font and Colors
To attract potential buyers, Royal Crown Cola’s management used a technique that taps into patriotism, subconsciously evoking solidarity with the state. It astutely colored the logo elements in the American flag’s colors: red, blue, and white. This happened in 1969. Since then, every version of the brand’s visual identity has contained this palette. The logo’s shape has evolved from simple to complex, adding more detail.
The Royal Crown Cola brand has always chosen an unconventional lettering style. Early versions featured a small font; later versions emphasized coarseness. The typeface always remained distinctive, especially the abbreviation “RC,” with graceful curves and wide lines sharpened at the ends. The color scheme mainly consists of red (present in the emblem from the beginning), white (appearing in one early variant), and blue (added in 1969).