Posted on: June 12, 2024, 01:05h.
Last updated on: June 12, 2024, 01:17h.
Hard Rock International and wrestling legend Hulk Hogan have teamed up for a new beer that will be distributed at most of the gaming and hospitality giant’s casino resorts and cafes this summer.
Real American Beer, a Tampa-based brewery co-founded by WWE Hall of Fame wrestler and celebrity Terry Bollea, aka Hulk Hogan, announced Wednesday that the company has secured distribution rights in 17 states.
The brewery’s flagship brew is billed as a “premium American-style light lager.” It clocks in at 4.2% ABV and markets a malty body providing a “rich golden hue, while the hops ensure a well-balanced taste.”
In securing distribution rights, Real American Beer announced that its light lager will soon arrive at most Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos in the United States. Select Hooters restaurants will also receive shipments.
Real American Beer was co-developed with HOA Brands, the parent company of Hooter’s. The beer will also be shipped to many US military bases.
‘Real American Hero’
In his heyday in the 1980s and ’90s wrestling in the WWF and WWE, Hogan regularly entered the ring with his “Real American” theme song. The track was written and composed by Rick Derringer.
Hogan, born in Augusta, Ga., has long championed patriotism. Along with his intro music, Hulk’s ring nicknames included Mr. America.
Hard Rock, owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, has previously partnered with Hogan, as the wrestler was on hand for last December’s commencement of new table games, including roulette and craps, at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tampa. Hard Rock has also held numerous other promotional appearance events with Hulk and his family.
We’re thrilled to team up with Hulk Hogan for the launch of Real American Beer,” said Jim Allen, chairman of Hard Rock International. “Given our past successes together, I’m confident Real American Beer will be a sensation for our guests, and we look forward to serving it at select Hard Rock venues across the country.”
Along with its six casinos in Florida, the Seminole Hard Rock gaming portfolio includes 11 owned and/or operated casinos in Atlantic City, Mississippi, Virginia, Ohio, South Dakota, Las Vegas, Illinois, Indiana, California, Iowa, and Oklahoma. The Hard Rock empire also includes Hard Rock Cafes in numerous states and most major cities.
Patriotic Boozing
The beer industry continues to change in light of the Bud Light boycott last year that saw many of its drinkers trash the light beer after the company used a transgender person to market the beverage. Hogan’s Real American Beer is certainly targeting that demographic that has become tired of the so-called “woke culture” being forced down their throats.
It doesn’t matter if you’re Republican, a Democrat. It doesn’t matter what sex you are, doesn’t matter what race you are, where you’re from, what you believe in,” Hogan told Fox News. “I’ve got a beer that’s going to bring America back together, one beer at a time.”
Real American Beer isn’t the Hulk’s first foray into the food and beverage industry. Hogan opened a pasta quick-service eatery inside the Mall of America in Minnesota in 1995 called Pastamania. It closed less than a year later.
Hogan released Hogan Energy, an energy drink, in 2006, and Hulkster Burgers in 2007 at Walmart. Both ventures were also short-lived.
Hogan also briefly co-owned a Tampa restaurant called “Hogan’s Beach in 2013. He continues to own Hogan’s Hangout in Clearwater.
