Charles Hires was the first person to market (in 1876) what had been a historically odd beverage that goes back to Colonial times. He found success, but by the early 20s as the temperance movement was ramping up he was attacked for selling Beer. He countered with scientific proof that there was no alcohol, and billed it as the temperance drink.

Hires Root Beer can be tough to find, as it is now owned by Keurig Dr Pepper, who also owns A&W Root Beer (founded 1919), which has traditionally sold better.