 100vw, 780px”/>BOTTLES OF JOY: Vintage Grapette promises to satisfy thirst, ‘thirsty or not.’<br />
Credit: Dave Anderson</p>
<p>Before Walmart became Arkansas’s biggest export, there was Grapette, the punchy neon purple soda with a unique grape flavor that conquered America and beyond. </p>
<p>Still around today, Grapette has a story full of twists and turns — as unpredictable as a sugared-up 8-year-old. It’s also not just about grape soda. You could be enjoying a Grapette creation without even knowing it. </p>
<p>Fooks Flavors</p>
<p>Kentucky-born Benjamin Tyndle Fooks moved to Camden (Ouachita County) with his family as a 13-year-old in the early 1900s. The ambitious son of a lumberman, Tyndle (as he was called) set out to become a Methodist minister before his 20th birthday before realizing it wasn’t his calling. Fooks gave up seminary in a matter of months, opting instead to follow his father into the family business. He worked in the field for several years before purchasing, in rapid succession, two sawmills and a gas station. All before turning 25. </p>
<p>It was while running his filling station in early 1926 that Fooks had a customer come hoping to sell his small soft drink plant with a line of flavors. By the end of that very day, he had purchased the company. With meager savings and some local investor help, he sold the gas station and acquired an additional bottling plant.</p>
<p>Still in his late 20s, Fooks weathered the Depression and pivoted toward the development and distribution of more than 150 drink flavors. A sales team sold “Fooks Flavors” to businesses across Arkansas, Texas and Louisiana. </p>
<p>By the late 1930s, the grape flavor had become dominant and, in 1939, Fooks perfected his own unique grape soda recipe. The name Grapette was owned by another company but had never been produced. Fooks bought the rights to the name and launched the brand that same year. </p>
<p> Smash Hit</p>
<p>Grapette was an instant hit. Its innovative clear 6-ounce glass bottle showed off the brilliant purple color of the drink, and the small size seemed perfect for any occasion. Most importantly: People loved the taste.</p>
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