It was created in 1937 by Grover C. Thomsen and R.H. Roark in Waco, Texas[1] and originally known as Sun Tang Red Cream Soda.

Gary Smith was the chief executive officer of Big Red Group (“BRG”) directly responsible for all functional areas.

[4] Big Red was an off-brand spin of blue cream soda initially marketed exclusively in Central and South Texas and around Louisville, Kentucky,[5] and in Southern Indiana.

[7] Though often thought to be bubble gum, its flavor is a combination of lemon and orange oils, topped off by a pure vanilla that offers a creamy aftertaste.

[9][10] In 2007, Big Red Ltd. was purchased by Gary Smith, with backing from Citigroup Venture Capital and Goldman Sachs.