Becoming the Viking Coke We are Today

Viking Coca-Cola is a privately held company owned by the Faber Family. Each Faber family member—Joe, RoseAnn, and Michael—has had a hand in leading Viking Coca-Cola toward success. It all started with Joe Faber’s passion and dedication which became instilled in Michael from the beginning and inspired RoseAnn. 

Viking Coca-Cola remains a dedicated family-run establishment that includes the Faber family and extends beyond to all members of the team including delivery drivers, sales personnel, executive management, and our partners.

The Faber Family

Most who have worked with Viking Coca-Cola credit the company’s success to the groundwork laid by Joe Faber. Joe had a passion for the customer. He was an astute businessman and the consummate salesman. He understood the importance of the people working in the company.

Inspired by his dedication and passion over the years, RoseAnn became involved with Viking Coca-Cola and was prepared to take control when Joe no longer could.

Joe passed his work ethic and devotion on to his son, Michael Faber, who leads and contributes to the operation of Viking Coca-Cola today. The Faber family is rich with heart, vibrancy, and commitment to Viking Coca-Cola and its success.

  • 1886

    Coca-Cola sold its first bottles of soft drink.

  • 1935

    The first standardized coin-operated vending machines for Coca-Cola are used.

  • 1952

    Viking Coca-cola founded by Howard Hamilton (in Brainerd, MN).

  • 1962

    Viking Coca-Cola purchased Coca-Cola Bottling of St. Cloud and our name, Viking Coca-Cola Bottling Company, was adopted.

  • 1963

    TaB, Coca-Cola's first diet soft drink is introduced to the world.

  • 1966

    Hamilton hires route-driving salesmen, Joe Faber. Unknown at the time, Joe would become the heart and soul of Viking Coca-Cola.

  • 1976

    Marv Soldner, our future President, starts fresh out of college. He started driving delivery truck in Brainerd and transitioned into many roles throughout his career.

  • 1976

    Joe Faber became a partner.

  • 1982

    Diet Coke is introduced, beginning its journey toward becoming the top low-calorie drink in the world.

  • 1984

    Acquire wholesale Coca-Cola operations in Alexandria and Willmar.

  • 1986

    Acquire wholesale Coca-Cola operations in Pine City, Minnesota and Rice Lake, Wisconsin.

  • 1986

    Happy 100th Birthday to Coca-Cola!

  • 1990

    Acquire wholesale Coca-Cola operations in Marshall and Hutchinson.

  • 1991

    Coca-Cola develops the first partially-recyclable plastic bottle, a new innovation for the beverage industry.

  • 1994

    Joe Faber purchased the Sherman & Hamilton family stock and became the sole owner.

  • 1995

    Joe passed away, shortly after he became the sole owner of Viking Coca-Cola.

  • 1995

    Rose Ann Faber, Joe's wife, took over the title of president and became the nation's only female president and chief executive officer of a Coca-Cola bottling company.

  • 1999

    Acquire wholesale Coca-Cola operations in Fergus Falls and Detroit Lakes.

  • 2002

    Michael Faber becomes President of Viking Coca-Cola.

  • 2004

    Armada Coffee is launched.

  • 2005

    Viking acquires operations in River Falls Wisconsin & Red Wing Minnesota.

  • 2005

    Viking Beverages begins distribution of Coors products in St. Cloud, Willmar and Hutchinson markets.

  • 2010

    Warrior Energy Drinks are launched.

  • 2016

    Acquired Virginia, Minnesota along with Coca-Cola Beverages of Duluth which includes territory in Duluth, Minnesota and Ashland, Wisconsin.

  • TODAY

    We are proud to be a successful branch of this legendary brand.

What Areas Do We Serve?

Coca-Cola is the most recognizable brand in the world with more than 1.8 billion servings consumed daily in over 200 countries.

QUENCH YOUR THIRST

We believe a refreshing Viking Coca-Cola beverage should always be right at your fingertips. Let's make that happen! Contact us today by filling out the form below.