CLEVELAND — What happens to all those Bud Light "victory fridges" that were unlocked at about a dozen bars?
The '"victory fridges" were quickly emptied after the Cleveland Browns captured their first regular season win after nearly 21 months on Thursday night against the New York Jets. But some have asked been curious as to what happens next and if Bud Light will be pulling the plug on the victory fridges.
A Bud Light communications representative sent the following response to WKYC:
“There are no plans to remove the Cleveland Browns Bud Light Victory Fridges from their current locations.”
To understand what happens to the fridges, Corey May, managing partner at the Barley House in Cleveland, shed some light on how the processed worked behind the scenes.
"Basically you had to buy the cooler from them, with the chance of the Browns first win that they’ll buy the beer," said May. "I think there was 240 beers in there. They were gone in about 20 minutes."
May and several other local bars involved in the promotion confirmed that they purchased the fridge for $1,500.
Bud Light has been careful to say that the drinks would be “free” because of state liquor laws. May said a third party had to come into the bar on game nights to pick up the tab.
"They figured that out to have a third party handle that and it was a great marketing ploy for them and it’s been great PR for us so we’re honored to have that ability."
Barley House plans to restock the fridge and team up with a sponsor, but there are no plans to lock it up again.
"I want to keep that baby open and flowing. Let’s not think about locking it up for good, that’s for sure."
John Granzier, owner of Merry Arts Pub & Grille in Lakewood, told WKYC in a phone interview that he plans to reach out to the Browns to see if Baker Mayfield would be able to sign the fridge in hopes of auctioning off for charity.