Karl Franz is "Vincy" and the owner and founder of 67 Orange Street, named one of America's top cocktail bars by Esquire Magazine, and one of the oldest cocktail bars in Harlem and NYC.  A sought-after speaker and advisor on all things mixology, Karl has positioned himself as a business building powerhouse, innovation vanguard, and Harlem pioneer.   Using a family recipe inspired by his Grandfather, Uncle Waithley who lived his entire life on the enchanting island of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Karl incorporated the use of fresh scotch bonnet pepper to give Uncle Waithley's Vincy Brew its unique flavorful bite unlike any other ginger beer.  

With a high quality product, compelling brand narrative and strong business development strategy, Uncle Waithley's was poised for growth.  Karl sought the services of Nikoa Evans as a Strategic Advisor to assist with developing and implementing a wholesale distribution strategy for the ginger beer brand. Through the small business accelerator, Harlem Local Vendor Program, founded by Nikoa in 2015, Uncle Waithley's successfully launched in Whole Foods Market in Spring 2022.  The brand outperformed initial projections with case volume sales increasing exponentially each month at the Whole Foods Market Harlem store.  The brand now leads its beverage category at Whole Foods and distribution has been expanded to all stores throughout the Northeast Region as well as Amazon, Boisson and Stop & Shop Stores throughout New York. Uncle Waithley’s was also selected as a winner in the national Black Ambition competition, founded by recording artist and producer Pharrell; and awarded the gold medal in the Los Angeles International Spirits Competition.