Ralph’s Rock Diner has shot past every other bar in the state when it comes to sales of Genesee beer, moving 22,704 cans in six months.
“I always liked the old fashioned beers before they became hip,” said Ralph’s owner Vincent Hemmeter, who decided to carry three versions of the beer at $1.50 a can. “It’s really working out well for us… if someone comes in and they only have five bucks, they can get a couple beers.”
Genesee confirmed the bar’s honor, although representatives declined to confirm specific sales numbers. Carrie Duggan, brand manager for Genesee, said bars and restaurants are important points for customers to experience the company’s beer.
“Once people know about Genesee and have an opportunity to taste it, they’re typically sold,” she said. “We have very experienced brewers who know how to make a great beer at a reasonable price.”
Genesee is among a number of long-standing brands that bring with them a certain style and nostalgia that people like to be seen with, said Hemmeter. He has found that to be the case with bikers and Pabst Blue Ribbon, Narraganset and a younger crowd, Schlitz with its classic labeling and now Genesee has joined the ranks with its classically understated cans.
“It’s kind of like a fashion show. People want to be seen with the bottle,” Hemmeter said, describing drinking the beers as a part of the anti-craft movement.
