Royal Crown Cola Logo PNG
The sweet, memorable taste can be traced to the large three-dimensional symbols of the emblem. The Royal Crown Cola logo emphasizes the addition and enrichment of the familiar cola recipe. All brand drinks are worthy of 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 from Coca-Cola forced the company 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, it passed into the sole ownership of the Hatcher family, so it was renamed 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 from it. 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, which laid 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.
In addition, this company has been an innovator in several specialized areas. It was the first to offer a non-alcoholic drink in tin and aluminum cans, introduce Diet Coke, and abandon corn syrup in favor of cane sugar. The brand changed hands many times, was bought and sold, merged with other companies, and changed hands, 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 and 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 a choice outside 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” had an arched shape. The second side of the logo was yellow, and it contained the third word of the drink’s name, “Cola.” It was in red. In the middle was a square with the abbreviation “RC.” The light-colored letters stood out clearly against the black background.
1930 – 1969
Almost 40 years later, the first logo redesign took place, after which it acquired 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 was a mysterious big “O” in deep blue, with thickening on the sides. Inside the letter, the gap was a white circle with a massive monogram “RC,” above which the full brand name could be seen. It was typed in thin capital lettering. The abbreviation was elegant, shaped, and consisted of 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 the appearance of a modern logo. It was associated with the transition of the name to the abbreviated form “RC Cola”. To make the design as attractive as possible, the authors 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 full name of the drink 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 the return to the former name, the soft drink manufacturer’s emblem has changed radically. Now, it is decorated with an elegant crown with five prongs 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 and pointed feet like 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 year the brand was founded appeared on the logo.
Font and Colors
To attract potential buyers, the management of Royal Crown Cola used a technique that taps into patriotism, subconsciously evoking a sense of solidarity with the state. It astutely colored the logo elements in the colors of the American flag: 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, so it now has more detail than before.
The Royal Crown Cola brand has always chosen an unconventional lettering style. A small font dominated the early versions; then, coarseness was emphasized. At all times, the typeface remained individual, especially the abbreviation “RC” with graceful curves and wide lines, sharpened at the ends. The color scheme consists mainly of red (present in the emblem from the beginning), white (appearing in one of the early variants), and blue (added in 1969).