Gretz Beer Flat Top Can

Gretz Beer Flat Top History

Produced by the Wm. Gretz Brewing Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Gretz Beer flat top can represents a defining era for one of the city's most prominent regional brewers. Originally established in 1881 as Rieger & Gretz and reorganized as the William Gretz Brewing Company following Repeal, the Kensington-based brewery was an aggressive competitor in the packaged beer market.

Gretz embraced canning technology early, progressing through multiple container styles before rolling out its flat top line. During its peak post-war years, the brewery achieved remarkable local dominance, outselling national giants like Anheuser-Busch nearly two-to-one in the Philadelphia metropolitan market and producing roughly a quarter-million barrels annually.

The label graphics connect directly to the brewery's memorable mid-century marketing. Gretz cans prominently highlighted the brand's signature slogan, "Made The Old Fashioned Way," which was tied to an enduring campaign featuring a cyclist pedaling an 1880s high-wheel bicycle. Gretz was known for cutting-edge regional advertising, including early television variety broadcasts such as The Gretz Cavalcade of Girls and animated mechanical billboards.

Collectors recognize several variations of the Gretz Beer flat top, which differ in their mandatory tax notices, alcohol statements, and specialized vanity lids. Brewing operations eventually transferred to fellow Philadelphia brewer Esslinger's, making these cans important historical artifacts of the city's mid-century brewing legacy.