UPDATE: Glen Rock Beverages is BACK in Waukegan, and the excitement is palpable! After nearly 35 years of absence, entrepreneur Keith Michalek is reigniting a beloved local brand, bringing nostalgic flavors to Lake County. Just announced, Michalek’s trailer featuring a 12-flavor pop dispenser is already turning heads at events across the area.
Residents are thrilled as they reminisce about their childhood experiences with Glen Rock pop. “It tastes exactly the same. It’s a trip down memory lane,” says Mary Ellen Vanderventer, a Waukegan native. Mayor Sam Cunningham echoes this sentiment, stating, “He’s rebuilding a business here, and it’s exciting for the community.”
The Glen Rock trailer, which is battery-powered to enhance environmental sustainability, is currently parked near the Waukegan Harbor & Marina. Michalek is making strides to revive the brand by securing retail agreements with local establishments. In just a few months, he has already partnered with 18 retailers and restaurants across Waukegan and Lake County.
“This is a feel-good moment for everyone who grew up in the era of Glen Rock beverages,” Cunningham emphasizes. The mayor believes the revival will not only appeal to nostalgic adults but will also introduce younger generations to this local treasure.
Starting in February 2023, Michalek began his ambitious journey to restore Glen Rock Beverages. He has a vision of distributing from Waukegan and is working to secure a storage space for a projected 25,000 returnable bottles. “When we have those bottles in a Waukegan storage facility, Glen Rock will be back,” he asserts.
The revitalization process has deep roots for Michalek, who fondly recalls his childhood visits to the original Glen Rock facility. “As soon as I can remember anything, Glen Rock was there,” he says. Michalek even managed to acquire classic seven-ounce bottles to decorate his home, keeping the spirit of the brand alive.
Despite the challenges, Michalek’s commitment to returning Glen Rock to its original glory remains steadfast. He has re-established the brand by securing the trademark and collaborating with the last owner who still possesses the original recipes. “He had all the formulas and recipes from the 1970s, with cane sugar, no corn syrup,” Michalek reveals.
As he takes the trailer to farmers’ markets and community events, including Waukegan’s National Night Out, the community’s response has been overwhelmingly positive. “I’m happy to reintroduce an old flavor to the community I knew everyone was missing,” says Jeremiah Johnson, owner of Quonset Pizza and a Waukegan Park District commissioner.
Local history is also recognizing Glen Rock’s significance. The beverage brand is featured on a map of historical places at the Waukegan History Museum, marking its importance in the community’s heritage. “Everyone you talk to grew up with the pop. It was my favorite drink,” Vanderventer adds.
As Michalek continues to expand Glen Rock’s reach, he remains optimistic about the future. “It could take approximately two years to get the bottles returnable, but I’m committed to making this work,” he states. The revival of Glen Rock Beverages is not just about soft drinks; it embodies community resilience and a shared history that residents cherish.
Stay tuned for more updates as Glen Rock Beverages continues to make waves in Waukegan. This is a story of nostalgia, community, and the sweet taste of success that many are eager to share!
