Our History
In 1905 Edward Chism began churning ice cream on the Truckee River, using cream from his brother’s creamery. With his ice cream churning on the river and an entrepreneurial spirit he formed Chism’s Ice Cream Company.
In 1929 Chism decided to take on carbonated beverages, Hires Root Beer being the first, followed by 7up in 1933. In 1956 Edward Chism passed away. His wife, Clara Chism, kept his business and legacy alive.
In 1960 the ice cream recipes were sold to Carnation Ice Cream and the company now named Seven Up Bottling Company moved to its current location on Terminal Way.
In 1973 Clara Chism passed away leaving the business to her daughter Alice Jane who ran Seven Up Bottling Company from 1973 until 1988. During those 15 years as President of the company she was responsible for drastic changes such as the installation of the can line in 1979, the change from Steel cans to aluminum cans, new cooling systems on the can line, the switch from glass bottles to plastic bottles.
In 1988 Alice Jane retired and her son, Edward Frazer, took over as president and owner of the company.
Ed Frazer has seen the industry change and has been responsible for the growth of the company. In 1994 Harvey Whittemore became his business partner and they acquired 7up/RC of Chico, California. In 1997 Treasure Valley Beverage in Boise, Idaho was acquired. The company has continued to grow its soft drink business picking up many brands though out the years such as Snapple, Rockstar, VitaCoCo, and Fiji Water, and has recently entered into the snack business by taking on PopChips.
The company continues its tradition as a family business with Ed Frazer’s three children active in the business. Molly Vestal, Ed Frazer’s daughter, is the Executive Vice President running day-to-day operations. Ed’s sons, Ray and Will Frazer work in the Service Department of the business.
