Imagined in 2017 by seasoned food marketer Andrew Anguiano and Brewmaster-Chef Gregg Spickler, Southside Craft Soda is deeply intertwined with the vibrant heritage of South Texas. They skillfully blend familiar flavors with local nuances to craft uniquely refreshing beverages. In 2018, they welcomed their first investor and "Believer #1," Rob Rodriguez, whose early support was instrumental in shaping the foundation of the company. By mid-2019, their debut creation, TexaCola, made its mark in the market and rapidly expanded its presence across Texas, courtesy of H-E-B Grocery. They're honored that numerous craft breweries, upscale restaurants, and esteemed establishments have embraced their soda, a testament to its flavor recognized by true aficionados.

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South Texas Roots

When Southside Craft Soda Co-Founder Andrew Anguiano conceived the idea of starting a soda company, he drew inspiration from his family's deep-rooted legacy in the region. For nearly 300 years, his ancestors cultivated the land surrounding the World Heritage Site, Mission San Jose, creating unique flavors that sustained them. From growing their own ingredients to drawing from the nearby San Antonio River, their traditions birthed a fusion of Mexican and Texan (Mex-Tex) cuisine.

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Local Flavors, Honey-Infused Soda is Born

In 2017, Andrew’s idea became a reality when he reconnected with co-founder Gregg Spickler. A professional brewer and apiculturist (beekeeper), Gregg brought culinary expertise and a gift for blending flavors to the table. Together, they created their first flavor, "Honey Cola," which evolved into Beeville, a cherry spiced soda with a complex blend of ingredients and honey. Their initial lineup also included a citrus cola, now known as Texa Cola, alongside an array of experimental flavors.

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Southside's "Believer #1"

In the spring of 2018, after proving their ability to produce soda, Andrew's friend and local businessman Rob Rodriguez took interest and became "Believer #1," Southside’s first investor.
 

Rob added corporate and finance structure to the company and the trio founded  Southside Bottling Works that allowed Southside Craft Soda to take in early-stage seed funding that assisted the company in making its first products for the market

 

The Company's First Tap

In June 2018, Southside debuted its first tap on the Southside of San Antonio at Nineteen17, located within the Embassy Suites Brooks. By honoring culinary traditions, Southside Craft Soda preserves the region’s rich heritage while creating distinctive beverages that resonate with both locals and newcomers.

 

First Bottling Run

After distributing soda from kegs, the team secured their first round of investments from family and friends, enabling their inaugural bottling run. Bottles were chosen simply because they were accessible at the time. In February 2019, using a local craft brewery for production, they bottled nearly 800 cases—around 16 pallets of soda. H-E-B Central Market purchased 11 pallets, quickly followed by H-E-B stocking their products in 180 stores.

 

New Bottled Sodas

Building on their grocery success, Southside introduced two new flavors by the end of 2019: Beeville, their original creation, and Limoncito, a lemon-lime soda inspired by local Fruiterias. Both flavors were embraced by H-E-B and Central Market.

 

Pandemic Challenges

During the pandemic, the company faced challenges similar to others, sitting on a surplus of approximately 40 pallets of soda while awaiting market reopenings. To stay engaged with their community, Southside spotlighted local customers and launched "Go Local Giveaways" to support struggling restaurants.

By the summer, as grocery stores resumed product placement, the team began developing a root beer. In early 2021, they launched Root Bexar, a unique creation featuring the earthy sweetness of mesquite bean flavor.

 

The Move to Cans

In August 2023, the brewery that handled Southside’s bottling doubled its costs, threatening the company’s survival. Acting swiftly, Andrew and Gregg secured a new investor and partnered with a new manufacturer. Though bottles carried nostalgic charm, they proved unsustainable. By February 2024, the company transitioned to cans, which hit the market the following month.

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Walmart Golden Ticket

In 2024, after intentionally slowing down operations to enhance its business model, Southside was invited to participate in Walmart's prestigious Open Call event. Alongside a few hundred other companies, they traveled to Bentonville, Arkansas, to take part in this opportunity. The event offered training and support for potential suppliers, along with meetings with buyers, all aimed at securing the coveted "Golden Ticket"—a guaranteed Walmart deal. Co-founder Andrew Anguiano, accompanied by business associate Brad White, delivered their pitch and successfully walked away with the Golden Ticket, earning placement in 2023 Walmart stores.