Kristen Distributing Company was founded in 1930 by Ambrose Kristen, three years before the repeal of Prohibition. The company started out as a manufacturer and distributor for soft drinks like Frosty, Nesbitt, 7-Up, and Dr. Pepper.
After his return from World War II, “Boots” Kristen, Ambrose’s son joined the firm and immediately started growing the business.
He expanded the company’s portfolio to include wholesale beer distribution in Austin and Waller Counties with brands like Grand Prize Beer of Galveston – Texas’ #1 Beer (owned by Howard Hughes).
In 1945, Boots created and bottled his own soda line, Boots Soda, a craft soda that featured seasonal flavors. He successfully bottled the line for a decade before the division was sold in the early ’60s.
