INVEST IN UNCLE WAITHLEY'S BEVERAGE COMPANY TODAY!
Innovative Ginger Beer with Authentic Caribbean Roots
$129,289.96 Raised
REASONS TO INVEST
Since our launch last year, our brand and positioning have hit the mark for worldly (multicultural and mainstream) consumers, turning us into a top seller in our retail partners. We have expanding relationships with Whole Foods, Boisson, and 35+ retail establishments across the Tri-State Area. We also recently became international, securing a distributor for the founder's homeland of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
The fast-growing specialty soda and carbonated beverage categories have captured 42% of consumer purchases in overall specialty beverages over the last two years. The ginger beer market alone is worth over $8 billion, projected to reach over $13.5 billion by 2030.*
As far as we know, we are the only Ginger Beer company incorporating fresh Scotch Bonnet Pepper into our recipe, a flavorful hot pepper that is particularly enticing to consumers. We have also developed an innovative process for making our ginger beer that is unique in the industry.
the pitch
We developed a small-batch Ginger Beer recipe using an innovative process that draws from our team's strong Caribbean roots. We are a Black-owned company using fresh, all-natural ingredients and the bold flavor of Scotch Bonnet Pepper to create a uniquely delicious beverage. With customer enthusiasm, demonstrated traction, seasoned leadership, and expanding partnerships, we are poised to elevate the craft cocktail and beverage experiences for new and established consumers of the category.
Overview
Brewing a Better Ginger Beer Inspired by Our Caribbean Roots
Caribbean consumers ARE multicultural consumers. There are six official languages of the Caribbean including English, Dutch, French, and Spanish, and multiple races, including Black, White, Arab, Asian, Indigenous, and mixed race.
According to our research, we are the only Black and Caribbean-owned ginger beer on the market. We GET our product AND our consumers. Authenticity guides everything we do from our recipe, packaging, and brand identity to our marketing.
Our founder, the nationally renowned mixologist, restauranteur and bar proprietor Karl Franz Williams developed our ginger beer from a family recipe inspired by his grandfather, Uncle Waithley. Uncle Waithley was an extraordinary man and longtime ginger farmer, beloved by his family and community. Living to 100 years old, his passion for his trade and health inspired him to make his own ginger beer.
Combining Karl's more than 17 years of experience developing and running multiple successful bars and restaurants and his leadership in the brand management, marketing, and innovation departments at Pepsi and Procter & Gamble, we are well-positioned to bring this unique ginger beer experience to lovers of flavor everywhere.
The Problem & Our solution
Mixologist-Perfected Authentic Caribbean Flavors
While the Ginger Beer category is gaining popularity amongst consumers, it lacks a high-quality brand with an authentic worldly origin story. As a result, consumers must choose between products with no significant roots in Caribbean culture, lower quality, high sugar products without natural ingredients, or products lacking unique recipes.
What truly sets us apart is our innovative process. We grind and press Peruvian Organic ginger in a method unique to the industry, and then age our ginger beer using our Vintage Fermentation process for richness and maturation. We balance the added sugar with fresh-squeezed lime juice, turmeric, and mineral water infused with natural salts to enhance our flavor.
The star of the show is the Scotch Bonnet Pepper. As far as we know, we are the only brand on the market using this ingredient. Prized throughout the Caribbean and Africa for its unique taste, this pepper adds flavor AND bite to our ginger beer.
the market & Our Traction
Rapid Growth in an Expanding Niche Market
Consumers are drawn to ginger-based beverages for their long-established health benefits. "Ginger has staring potential for treating a number of ailments including degenerative disorders (arthritis and rheumatism), digestive health (indigestion, constipation, and ulcer), cardiovascular disorders (atherosclerosis and hypertension), vomiting, diabetes mellitus, and cancer. It also has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties for controlling the process of aging. Furthermore, it has antimicrobial potential as well which can help in treating infectious diseases” (Source).
As of 2018, 72-74% of adults identify as specialty food consumers (Source). Specialty Soda and Carbonated Beverages grew 9% over the last two years to gain 42% of consumer purchases (Source). Ginger Beer is a major contributor to this trend – Reeds Inc., the largest Ginger Beer company, increased its revenue by 19% this year to $49.6 million (Source).
Since our launch in January of this year, we’ve opened 40+ accounts across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut and sold 21,000+ bottles. We successfully launched in Harlem's Whole Foods Market and are now in the process of expanding to all 16 Whole Foods locations in New York City. Additionally, we were one of five initial companies selected for Caminus Ventures, a business accelerator promoting Black-owned businesses in the Food & Beverage industry.
*The above testimonials may not be representative of the opinions or the experiences of other customers and is not a guarantee of future performance or success.
Why Invest
Bringing Authenticity and Innovation to the Ginger Beer Market
The bottom line is, we get it. We are of the culture and know how to authentically represent it. Our launch at the Harlem Whole Foods proves this, as we quickly became one of the top ginger beers in the store, vastly outselling our competitors.
As we grow, we plan to launch exciting new flavors, grow our team, and invest in marketing to communities that are passionate about the Caribbean, and who will appreciate the realness of our brand. With experienced leadership, an outstanding product, and strong partnerships, we are ready for major growth.
ABOUT
HEADQUARTERS
2082 Frederick Douglass Blvd
New York, NY 10026
WEBSITE
View Site
Uncle Waithley’s Beverage Company is bringing our delicious, all-natural Caribbean Ginger Beer recipe to consumers across the New York Tri-State area and beyond through expanding partnerships with industry-leading retailers like Whole Foods, Boisson, and more.
TEAM
Karl Williams
Founder, Board Director and CEO
A passion that started in conversation while working on an innovation project at Pepsi, ultimately led Karl to pursue opening cocktail lounges, eventually hitting his own mark and style, inspired by lost stories of African American culinary history and culture. In 2008, Karl opened 67 Orange Street (named after the last known address of Almack’s Dance Hall the Iconic NYC Bar from the 1840s where tap dance was created). In May of 2021, 67 Orange received its highest recognition yet, when it was listed on Esquire Magazine’s list of the 27 Best Bars in America.
Karl’s family hails from the stunning Caribbean Island of St. Vincent. With the desire to celebrate this heritage and the Caribbean’s great spirit – RUM, Karl then opened Solomon & Kuff’s Rum Hall – a five thousand square foot pan-Caribbean restaurant, rum bar, and lounge – located in the Manhattanville Factory District of West Harlem.
In July 2016, Karl re-imagined the iconic New Haven Anchor Bar and Restaurant. Specializing in craft cocktails, the menu is pan-Caribbean. The New Haven Chamber of Commerce has recognized the Anchor for its creative concoctions and awarded the kitchen teams its Best Savory Dish Award.
With his captivating and charismatic approach, Karl is a sought-after speaker and presenter, particularly in the areas of mixology, craft bartending, and small business. He has been quoted in numerous articles in publications ranging from the Wall Street Journal, Crain’s, and NPR, to SevenFifty Daily, Eater, Time-Out, Thrillist, and Wine Enthusiast. He has been featured by T-Mobile, FreePour, and the Spirits Network and at the Harlem Eat Up Festival, Tales of the Cocktail, Miami Food & Wine, and Charleston Food & Wine amongst others.
Karl is a proud resident of Harlem, NYC, and a founding member of Harlem Park to Park, a neighborhood merchant association formed to help more local businesses succeed. He is also a board member of the NYC Hospitality Alliance, serves as an advisor and faculty member to the Beverage Alcohol Resource 5 – Day (the leading spirits sommelier style course), and he is a Commissioner of the Town Green Special Assessment District in New Haven, CT. He is also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc
In 2021, Karl launched Uncle Waithley’s Vincy Brew – a small batch, all-natural ginger beer with Scotch Bonnet Pepper. Only a few months since launch, it can already be found at Whole Foods Market and at select craft cocktail bars and restaurants throughout NYC.
Karl works full-time for Uncle Waithleys Beverage Company as CEO while also spending approximately 5 hours per week with his other companies The Anchor Spa Bar and 67 Orange Street.
Michael McConnell
VP Culture & Marketing
The Rebel Camp has worked with Real Estate, Wellness, Non-profit tech, and Beverage based brands. In 2009 he was co-recipient of the “Big Apple” awards by the International Events Society. Michael also helped raise nearly $30 Million dollars for charity, through his hand in launching the successful fundraising program, Text to Pledge®. Michael is again at the forefront of innovation and is a founding board member for EquityCoin, a securities token focused on building affordable homes for homeless families. He has also taken on he role of head of culture and marketing director for Uncle Waithley’s Vincy brew.
Michael has worked in tandem with The New York Department of Education and lives a life dedicated to uplifting his community.
Michael is also a master community builder and outspoken advocate for mental health and wellness. He has dedicated his life to ensuring that people of color get the tools necessary to live full and healthy lives. Michael has been featured in Afrotech, Business insider and Black Enterprise.
He has worked with Microsoft, Healthline, LVMH, Rockstar Games, Text-To-Pledge, Sprite, and more. Michael enjoys his country home in Georgia, three exceptional children, and serving his community.
Monica Freeman-Greene
VP Organizational Strategy
In 2015 she began working with the Karl Franz Bar & Restaurant Group, which includes the Cocktail Bars 67 Orange Street in Harlem, NY and The Anchor Spa in New Haven, CT. Her focus is on creating streamlined processes in the areas of Onboarding, Training & Development, Payroll, Financial Management, Event Planning and Daily Operational Procedures.
In 2021, Monica partnered with Karl Williams on launching Uncle Waithley’s Beverage Company and currently serves as the VP, Organizational Design where she drives strategies and designs solutions to optimize organizational structure and effectiveness.
TERMS
Uncle Waithley's Beverage Company
Overview
PRICE PER SHARE
$7.37
DEADLINE
Apr 12, 2023
VALUATION
$8.01M
AMOUNT RAISED
$129,289.96
Breakdown
MIN INVESTMENT
$250.58
MAX INVESTMENT
$499,995.54
MIN NUMBER OF SHARES OFFERED
1,356
OFFERING TYPE
Equity
ASSET TYPE
COMMON
SHARES OFFERED
Common Stock
MAX NUMBER OF SHARES OFFERED
145,183
Maximum Number of Shares Offered subject to adjustment for bonus shares
Company | : | Uncle Waithley's Beverage Company Inc. |
Corporate Address | : | 2082 Frederick Douglass Blvd, New York, NY 10026 |
Offering Minimum | : | $9,993.72 |
Offering Maximum | : | $1,069,998.71 |
Minimum Investment Amount(per investor) | : | $250.58 |
Terms
Offering Type | : | Equity |
Security Name | : | Common Stock |
Minimum Number of Shares Offered | : | 1,356 |
Maximum Number of Shares Offered | : | 145,183 |
Price per Share | : | $7.37 |
Pre-Money Valuation | : | $8,005,323.48 |
*Maximum Number of Shares Offered subject to adjustment for bonus shares. See Bonus info below.
Voting Rights of Securities Sold in this Offering
Voting Proxy. Each Subscriber shall appoint the Chief Executive Officer of the Company (the “CEO”), or his or her successor, as the Subscriber’s true and lawful proxy and attorney, with the power to act alone and with full power of substitution, to, consistent with this instrument and on behalf of the Subscriber, (i) vote all Securities, (ii) give and receive notices and communications, (iii) execute any instrument or document that the CEO determines is necessary or appropriate in the exercise of its authority under this instrument, and (iv) take all actions necessary or appropriate in the judgment of the CEO for the accomplishment of the foregoing. The proxy and power granted by the Subscriber pursuant to this Section are coupled with an interest. Such proxy and power will be irrevocable. The proxy and power, so long as the Subscriber is an individual, will survive the death, incompetency and disability of the Subscriber and, so long as the Subscriber is an entity, will survive the merger or reorganization of the Subscriber or any other entity holding the Securities. However, the Proxy will terminate upon the closing of a firm-commitment underwritten public offering pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933 covering the offer and sale of Common Stock or the effectiveness of a registration statement under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 covering the Common Stock.
Investment Incentives and Bonuses*
Loyalty Based
• Previous Indiegogo Investors get 2% bonus shares
• Any of our advisors get 2% bonus shares
Time Based:
• Early Bird Bonus: Invest within the first week and receive 10% bonus
Amount Based:
• $250+: Gift certificate 4 pack + t-shirt
• $500+: Gift certificate 12 pack + t-shirt
• $1000+: 3 month subscription (three 12-packs) + t-shirt
• $2500+: 6 month subscription (six 12-packs) + t-shirt
• $5000+: 1 year monthly subscription (twelve 12-packs) + t-shirt
•$10,000+: 3% Bonus shares + 1 year monthly subscription (twelve 12-packs) + t-shirt
•$25,000+: 5% Bonus shares + 1 year monthly subscription (twelve 12-packs ) + t-shirt
•$50,000+: 7% Bonus shares + 1 year monthly subscription (twelve 12-packs) + t-shirt + private virtual mixology class with the company's founder, Karl Williams ("Karl")
•$100,000+: 10% Bonus shares + 1 year monthly subscription (twelve 12-packs) + t-shirt + private mixology class for you and a guest with Karl and curated tour of Karl's bars. Two nights – NYC and CT
•$500,000+: 20% Bonus shares + 1 year monthly subscription (twelve 12-packs) + t-shirt + private mixology class for you and a guest with Karl in St. Vincent & the Grenadines
*In order to receive perks from an investment, one must submit a single investment in the same offering that meets the minimum perk requirement. Bonus shares from perks will not be granted if an investor submits multiple investments that, when combined, meet the perk requirement. All perks occur when the offering is completed.
The 10% StartEngine Owners' Bonus
Uncle Waithley's Beverage Company, Inc. will offer 10% additional bonus shares for all investments that are committed by investors that are eligible for the StartEngine Crowdfunding Inc. OWNer's bonus.
This means eligible StartEngine shareholders will receive a 10% bonus for any shares they purchase in this offering. For example, if you buy 100 shares of Common Stock at $7.37 / share, you will receive 110 shares of Common Stock, meaning you'll own 110 shares for $737. Fractional shares will not be distributed and share bonuses will be determined by rounding down to the nearest whole share.
This 10% bonus is only valid during the investor's eligibility period. Investors eligible for this bonus will also have priority if they are on a waitlist to invest and the company surpasses its maximum funding goal. They will have the first opportunity to invest should room in the offering become available if prior investments are canceled or fail.
Investors will receive the highest single bonus they are eligible for among the bonuses based on the amount invested and time of offering elapsed (if any). Eligible investors will also receive the Owner’s Bonus and 2% Loyalty Bonus shares in addition to the aforementioned bonus.
NEW UPDATES
03.21.23
Cuisine Noir
We love this one! They really did a good job of telling the story. Check out the full story here
PRESS
ALL UPDATES
03.14.23
New Press to Start the Week
03.10.23
Webinar with our Founder
Join us for this informative webinar with Uncle Waithley's Founder, Karl Franz Williams as he discusses the inspiration and plans for his premium ginger beer.
This is a virtual event. Please click this link or scan the QR code to RSVP
03.06.23
West Coast, Here we Come
I'm going going, back back, to Cali Cali!
Think we wouldn't go there? As our Jamaican brethren, the legendary Biggie said "If I got to choose a coast, I got to choose the East. I live out there, so don't go there. But that don't mean I can't rest in the West!"
We started in the East. But we are expanding, and we are proud to announce we just opened up in Boisson stores in Los Angeles including Brentwood, Studio City, and Beverly Hills. We are officially bi-coastal!
We are only just getting started. If you want to be a part of our journey and growth, now is the time. Invest Now.
In other news, we were honored to be a featured beverage at the Black History Month mixer at Steve Madden's corporate headquarters. Check out the the fun on the official Steve Madden IG
As always, more to come...
02.28.23
The Press Loves Us!
We have been very inspired by the response to our campaign. Less than 3 weeks in and we are over $100k! But the response hasn't just been great with investors. The media have picked up on what we are doing and they are helping to amplify our message. Check out some of the latest articles here:
https://www.foodbusinessnews.
https://www.trendhunter.com/
https://www.foodbeast.com/
Stay tuned, because there is definitely more to follow.
Karl
02.24.23
Thank you to all who have invested!
Thank you to all who have invested in our company so far! Through hard work, determination and persistence, we are so excited to be live on StartEngine and grow our investor community.
We have a lot of things to be proud of. Right now we are happy and proud because Whole Foods has begun our rollout to the entire NE region. When we last checked we were in 32 stores. We expect to be in all 56 in the next week or so. It's super exciting.
We hope you are as invigorated by this news as we are. Please share our campaign with your family and friends. Let's do this!
Karl
02.23.23
We are just getting started - and look what we've done
It’s been just over a week since we launched our Equity Crowdfunding Campaign here on StartEngine. The response has been excellent from our community!
What have we done since our launch?
We raised $86,000 so far from our supporters!
We gained press in U.S. News & World Reports, with a strong mention about our raise.
Our founder Karl was featured on Spectrum News NY1 discussing his inspiration behind starting Uncle Waithley's
We’ve expanded to 32 Whole Foods Markets stores in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut and we are on our way to getting to the full 56 stores that make up the Northeast market over the next few weeks
It’s been a fantastic first week for us and we’re starting to heat up!
We look forward to having you invest now in our campaign and join our movement
Happy Black History Month!
Karl
Recent Press Links
https://money.usnews.com/investing/articles/how-to-invest-in-black-owned-businesses
Stack Owner's Bonus & Rewards!
Members get an extra 10% shares in addition to rewards below!
REWARDS
$250
StartEngine Owner’s Bonus
This offering is eligible for the StartEngine Owner’s 10% Bonus program. For details on this program, please see the Offering Summary section below.
$250
Tier 1
Gift certificate 4 pack + t-shirt
$500
Tier 2
Gift certificate 12 pack + t-shirt
$1,000
Tier 3
3 month subscription (three 12-packs – with Amazon) + t-shirt
$2,500
Tier 4
6 month subscription (six 12-packs – with Amazon) + t-shirt
$5,000
Tier 5
1 year monthly subscription (12 12-packs – with Amazon) + t-shirt
$10,000
Tier 6
3% Bonus shares + 1 year monthly subscription (12 12-packs – with Amazon) + t-shirt
$25,000
Tier 7
5% Bonus shares + 1 year monthly subscription (12 12-packs – with Amazon) + t-shirt
$50,000
Tier 8
7% Bonus shares + 1 year monthly subscription (12 12-packs – with Amazon) + t-shirt + private virtual mixology class with Karl
$100,000
Tier 9
10% Bonus shares + 1 year monthly subscription (12 12-packs – with Amazon) + t-shirt + private mixology class for you and a guest with Karl and curated tour of my bars. Two nights – NYC and CT
$500,000
Tier 10
20% Bonus shares + 1 year monthly subscription (12 12-packs – with Amazon) + t-shirt + private mixology class for you and a guest with Karl in St. Vincent & the Grenadines
JOIN THE DISCUSSION
0/2500
HOW INVESTING WORKS
Cancel anytime before 48 hours before a rolling close or the offering end date.
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