How We Started

Coca-Cola has been sold in Minden and the surrounding parishes since 1901.

The brand was invented in 1886 in Atlanta, Georgia and was sold as a fountain drink until the early 20th Century when the brand was put in bottles. The ease of distribution and bottles led to the brand becoming nationwide in the early 20th Century. Thousands of exclusive territories were assigned to enter premieres in all States of the Union. William S. Hunter was one of the lucky few who asked for and received an exclusive territory for the sale of Coca-Cola and bottles.

How Our Name Changed

William S. Hunter had been bottling soda pop for four years before he received the Coca-Cola franchise that included Webster Parish and most of Claiborne Parish. The brand would become a worldwide icon in future years. In 1901, the brand was still in its infancy and no one would have considered it to be that important. William S. did not live to see the popularity of the now beloved brand, but his son, Larry Hunter, assumed a leadership role in the business and later assumed control of the business. Coca-Cola became so important that the name of the business was changed from North Louisiana Bottling Works to Coca-Cola Bottling Company.

How We Grew

The brand grew over the years and Larry Hunter prospered due to the success of the brand. Larry Hunter was able to provide many extraordinary recreational opportunities for the children of Minden. Coca-Cola has been a blessing for the Hunter and Robertson families and for our loyal customers and consumers. What else could you buy for a nickel during the Depression Era of the Thirties? Coca-Cola in Minden has a 100 year history, a history which has included two World Wars, The Great Depression, sugar rationing during the Second World War,  numerous attempts to copy the brand, and competition from a certain “P” brand.

The Family Business

Coca-Cola in Minden has touched generations of families and given them a tie to something familiar and refreshing in times of joy and sorrow. The family business is now managed by the fourth generation and there seems to be no end in sight. Our beginning started with the simple pop bottle filled with a magical formula called Coca-Cola and now we celebrate a brand that is recognized all over the world.

Coca-Cola in Minden

The Hunter and Robertson families would like to thank all the generations of loyal Coca-Cola consumers who have enjoyed the brand and all the refreshment that Coca-Cola has provided. Coca-Cola has seen many changes in the past 100 years in Minden, but one thing that has not changed is the real taste of Coca-Cola. Without the Coca-Cola brand, Larry Hunter would not have been able to provide the recreational opportunities for kids during the ’30s and ’40s and the family today would not be able to provide the many contributions to education in the surrounding communities.