Our History
The History of Cleveland Coca-Cola
Cleveland Coca-Cola’s recorded history began on February 9, 1905 with the awarding of an operating contract to Mr. William Arnett, only six years after the very first bottler contract was approved. Arnett opened with three horse-pulled wagons on Center Street in the Flats. Total gallons produced in 1905 was 105. Little else known about Arnett, but we do know that he moved the Company to 1430 Crown Avenue sometime in 1925
Five years later, the franchise was sold to the Mashburn Family. In 1937 the Mashburns bought three more buildings, including one at 1502 Abby Road which became the main bottling plant. The 30’s and 40’s saw a lot of changes in the bottling business. Back in the 30’s a 6-bottle case sold for 25 cents. Later in this decade, coin operated vending machines were introduced. During World War II, sugar was rationed causing the supply of Coca-Cola to be rationed too.
After the war, sales boomed and in 1951 the Mashburns bought another building at 3705 Carnegie Avenue, which was at that time a Nash Rambler auto dealership. This new building was located on a three acre plot known as no. 67. A remodeling of the facility at 3705 Carnegie was undertaken in 1955-56 and during this same time Cleveland Coca-Cola celebrated its 50th anniversary with a gala event at Cleveland Public Auditorium.
Delivery driver in front of the 3705 Carnegie Ave location
In the years that followed the business grew, and in 1971 ABARTA purchased Cleveland Coca-Cola from the Mashburn family. In 1977 a new warehouse was added to the 3705 Carnegie Avenue facility and in that same year ABARTA purchased the Canada Dry franchise from the Williams family. In 1981 Cleveland Coca-Cola celebrated its 75th anniversary and another party was held for all employees and friends.
After more than 40 years on Carnegie Avenue, Cleveland Coca-Cola moved to its current location at 25000 Miles Road in Bedford Heights. Growth in the business and the decision to add a new high speed can filler prompted the move.