The Faded Chero-Cola Ad Above Bizarre Coffee in Canton, GA

Next time you're sipping at Bizarre Coffee, look up—that faded Chero-Cola ad above holds the surprising origin story of RC Cola, born right here in Georgia.

A Hidden Piece of Georgia History on East Marietta Street

If you've ever grabbed a latte at Bizarre Coffee in downtown Canton, you've probably noticed the cozy tables and locally roasted beans. But have you looked up? On the second floor of the building at 121 East Marietta Street, there's a faded painted advertisement for something called Chero-Cola—and the story behind it connects Canton to one of the South's most intriguing business rivalries.

Bizarre Coffee opened in December 2020 and has become a beloved gathering spot for the Canton community, serving creative seasonal drinks and fresh-roasted coffee seven days a week. The historic building it calls home, though, has been telling stories far longer than that.

From Pharmacist's Frustration to 700 Bottling Plants

The Chero-Cola tale begins in 1905, when a Columbus, Georgia pharmacist named Claud A. Hatcher grew tired of paying steep prices for Coca-Cola syrup. So he did what any entrepreneurial pharmacist might do—he created his own cola in the basement of his family's grocery store. He called it Chero-Cola, a cherry-flavored alternative that quickly caught on with customers.

Hatcher's Union Bottling Works grew at a stunning pace. By 1920, Chero-Cola had expanded to more than 700 franchise bottling plants across the country, becoming a genuine competitor to the Atlanta giant. The company was successful enough that it even built its own sugar refinery during World War I to meet demand during rationing.

The Lawsuit That Changed Everything

Success, however, brought unwanted attention. In 1923, Coca-Cola sued over the use of the word "Cola" in the name, claiming exclusive rights to the term. After losing in court, Hatcher's company was forced to drop "Cola" from the product name. Rather than fight it, the company pivoted hard—discontinuing Chero-Cola entirely and focusing instead on fruit-flavored sodas under the Nehi brand.

But the original cola formula wasn't forgotten. In 1934, a year after Claud Hatcher's death, company chemist Rufus Kamm spent six months reformulating the classic Chero-Cola recipe. The result was released under a new name that honored the company's original beverage line: Royal Crown Cola. The drink was an instant hit, and sales jumped tenfold over the next decade.

Here's the twist: Coca-Cola didn't lose its claimed monopoly on the word "cola" until 1944—a full decade after RC Cola had already made its comeback. By then, the name Royal Crown Cola (or RC Cola, as most folks called it) was already firmly established.

Why Canton Has a Chero-Cola Ad

So how did a Chero-Cola advertisement end up painted on a building in downtown Canton? These hand-painted ads were once common across small-town America in the early 1900s, serving as both advertising and architectural character. Downtown Canton was a bustling commercial center during the textile boom, and buildings along East Marietta Street and Main Street frequently featured painted signage for popular products of the day.

The ad above Bizarre Coffee is a survivor—a piece of "ghost signage" that offers a glimpse into what people were drinking, buying, and talking about a century ago. Canton has worked hard to preserve its historic downtown, and these painted ads are part of that story. Whether you're interested in learning more about Canton's history and culture or just appreciate the character these details add to our downtown, it's worth taking a moment to look up next time you're walking East Marietta Street.

What Makes These Details Matter

Faded ads like the Chero-Cola sign remind us that Canton's downtown has always been a place where people gathered, did business, and built community. The same building that once advertised a long-lost cola now houses a thriving local coffee roaster that draws neighbors and visitors from across Cherokee County. If you're curious about what your home is worth in a town with this kind of authentic character and history, these small details tell you a lot about why people are drawn to Canton.

Downtown Canton continues to honor its past while welcoming new businesses, new neighbors, and new stories. You'll find more local history and insights in the Canton blog, where we dig into the details that make this town such a special place to call home.

It's details like a century-old Chero-Cola ad that make Canton more than just another Atlanta suburb—they remind us that this town has always had its own story, its own character, and its own sense of place. If you've been thinking about finding your own place in a community that values history, local flavor, and genuine connection, I'd love to help you discover what's available here in Canton. Whether you're just starting to explore the area or you're ready to make a move, reach out—I'm here to help you find the home that fits your life in this town we love.

Kate Valor is a real estate agent with Keller Williams Realty Partners, specializing in helping buyers and sellers navigate the Canton and Cherokee County market with local expertise and genuine care.