#TBT: The History of the Budweiser Can

Photo credit: iStock/spawns

Remember last week when we announced the return of the Battle of the Burger™ event and voting program? (If you don’t, you can learn more about them here!) To continue the excitement, we’re using this Throwback Thursday to recognize presenting sponsor Budweiser — an acclaimed companion to any burger — and their iconic can. 

Originally released in 1936, the Budweiser can has donned 12 different designs throughout its storied history, beginning with a trio of gold and olive cans and eventually evolving into the bow-tie-emblazoned variety we’ve come to love. Introduced following the Great Depression, the cans gained mass appeal and were a welcomed addition to the brew scene. Since then, the can has been redesigned to introduce the latest materials (an all-aluminum can in 1963) and features (a tab top can in 1964 and a QR code in 2011).

Aside from the first two varieties, all of the cans have prominently featured the color red, with the latest version also adopting the Budweiser creed and Anheuser-Busch medallion.

However, while the can has changed and modernized, its contents remain the same. Each can is filled with a medium-bodied brew made following the same family recipe used by five generations of Busch family brewmasters. This longstanding commitment is why the beer has amassed legions of loyal fans — loyal fans who take their Bud and burgers very seriously.

Join likeminded brew fans by voting for your favorite burger once a day, every day from July 5th to July 25th in the Battle of the Burger voting program. For every vote you cast, you can enter a weekly sweepstakes to win Philadelphia Phillies tickets and official Budweiser grilling swag (think: apron, grill mitt, spatula, Budweiser BBQ sauce and a keychain) or the grand prize, which includes two tickets for Budweiser’s Made in America Festival, a Weber Home Grill and the aforementioned Budweiser merch.

After voting is completed, the top two eateries will face-off live at the Battle of the Burger™ event on August 24th. There, attendees will be able to sample both of the top burgers, enjoy a refreshing Budweiser, meet the Clydesdale horses and cast their votes for the ultimate winner.

Want to try all of the entries with a refreshing Budweiser before the big match-up? Here’s a list of the participating bars and restaurants. Good luck and don’t forget your appetite!

Berks County
BlackJax American Pub and Grill, Birdsboro
Pike Cafe, Reading
Steam Pub, Southampton 

Bucks County
Baileys Bar & Grille, Levittown
Green Parrot Restaurant Pub & Patio, Newtown
Xlounge at Parx Casino, Bensalem

Chester County
Barnaby’s Restaurant and Pub, West Chester, West Chester
Ram’s Head Bar & Grill, West Chester
Saloon 151, West Chester

Delaware County
Casey’s Saloon and Restaurant, Ridley Park, Ridley Park
Casey’s Saloon – Drexel Hill & Ridley Park, Drexel Hill
Lion’s Head Bar & Grill, Milmont Park

Montgomery County
The Brick House, Pottstown
The Drake Tavern, Jenkintown
Gravel Pike Inn, Graterford
Nippers, Jeffersonville
Union Jacks Pub, Glenside

Philadelphia County
Hop Angel Brauhaus, Philadelphia
Maggie’s Waterfront Cafe, Philadelphia
The Union Tap, Philadelphia