GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Green Bay Packers have acquired Foamation Inc., the company that created the original Cheesehead hat, the team announced Monday.
Big news for @packers fans: on the morning of the team’s annual shareholder’s meeting, the team announced it has acquired @Chzheadfactory, the company that created the Cheesehead worn around the world! @tmj4 pic.twitter.com/aRV0zDfgFd
— SUSAN KIM (@SusanKim4) July 24, 2023
Foamation was founded in Milwaukee in 1987 by Ralph Bruno. As the legend goes, Bruno first wore a cheesehead to a Brewers game. He came up with the idea while reupholstering his mother's couch - burning holes in the foam and painting it yellow to look like cheese.
Photos from Lambeau Field today as the #Packers hold their annual shareholders meeting.
— TMJ4 News (@tmj4) July 24, 2023
First up is Wayne Sargent, the Ultimate SuperFan!
The team also revealed they are getting new boards for Lambeau.
Latest from the meeting: https://t.co/5NdRbCd3vo pic.twitter.com/8onQD0EHD2
Why the sale now? In a news release, the Packers say the Brunos were "ready to shift gears" after more than 30 years in business, so they approached the team to make a deal.
All cheesehead products will continue to be produced in Wisconsin, and "Original Cheesehead" hats and other foam products will continue to be sold in the Packers Pro Shop.
“The popular Cheesehead hats have come to represent Packers fans all over the world and we’re excited to officially welcome this special brand to the Packers organization,” said Packers vice president of marketing and fan engagement Gabrielle Dow. “We’re looking forward to building upon the legacy the Bruno family has created over the years and offering our fans even more Cheesehead items to love.”
“After many years of working with family and friends to build the Cheesehead brand, we are pleased to pass it on to the Green Bay Packers,” said Ralph Bruno. “We have had a very special relationship with the Packers over the years, and my wife, Sue, and I are both very excited about what the Packers can do with the Cheesehead going forward.”
Amy Hundt, owner of the Green and Gold Zone in Greenfield, says the Cheesehead wedge hats are one of their best sellers.
"I think it’s just fun. It’s very unique you can’t just find this anywhere. It’s very specific to Wisconsin. We have a lot of our customers that come from out of state some from other countries they know they come here they will be getting a cheesehead to take home," Hundt said.
"Whenever you turn on a Packers game, you see two things, the Lambeau leap, and Packers fans wearing cheese hats. How can you not be familiar," said Am Reeves, who is from Kansas City, Missouri.
The Packers say they are "exploring several opportunities" to grow the Foamation brand. In the meantime, a variety of cheesehead products can be purchased at PackersProShop.com.
It’s about time to watch on your time. Stream local news and weather 24/7 by searching for “TMJ4” on your device.
Available for download on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and more.
