Charles Leiper Grigg
Charles Leiper Grigg | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Prices Branch, Missouri, U.S. |
| Died | April 16, 1940 (aged 71) St. Louis, Missouri, U.S. |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur |
| Known for | Creating 7 Up |
Charles Leiper Grigg (May 11, 1868 – April 16, 1940) was an American entrepreneur credited with creating 7 Up, initially named 7Up Lithiated Lemon Soda, in October 1929. After moving to St. Louis, Missouri, Grigg ventured into the carbonated drink industry. Prior to developing 7 Up, he formulated an orange-flavored soda called "Whistle" for the Vess Soda Company, which continues to be available in the St. Louis region.
History
Grigg was born in 1868 in Prices Branch, Missouri to parents Charles L. S. Grigg and Mary Elizabeth Leiper Grigg. At 22, he relocated to St. Louis and began a career in advertising, where he first encountered the soda beverage market.
By 1919, he was working as a salesman for Vess Jones's manufacturing firm and created his initial soft drink named "Whistle." The drink's popularity led to his promotion as sales and marketing manager; however, disagreements with Vess resulted in Grigg leaving the company and relinquishing rights to Whistle. Subsequently, he joined the Warner Jenkinson Company to focus on developing flavoring formulas for sodas.
During this timeframe, Grigg developed his second beverage, an orange soda called "Howdy," which contained 14% sugar. He collaborated with financier Edmund G. Ridgway and attorney Frank Gladney to establish the Howdy Company. With Ridgway’s financial backing and a high-quality product, the company experienced swift growth by recruiting bottlers interested in distributing Howdy.
Personal life
Grigg was married to Lucy E. Alexander Grigg, and together they had multiple children. He passed away on April 16, 1940, in St. Louis. His son, Hamblett Charles Grigg, took over leadership of the 7 Up enterprise following his death.