By Ben Dickison, Sports Editor

As the calendar turns to April, early mornings at two of the most frequented spots to grab Cincinnati-style chili will no longer be marked by the fresh smell of (Mountain) Dew. Within the last week, Skyline Chili and Gold Star Chili announced they will be serving Coca-Cola (Coke) products as opposed to those of their current contractor, Pepsi, starting at the beginning of April.

“Aligning with the nation’s preeminent soda brand will be one of the many ways we celebrate the arrival of our 75th anniversary,” Skyline Chili chief executive officer Dick Williams said in a press release.

According to that same release, Skyline served Coke products over its counter when it originally opened in 1949. As for Gold Star, the company’s “first pour” into the new beverage selection at its Mount Healthy location will mark the first time the chain serves Coke products in its 59 year history.

The Coke products will include Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Coke Zero, Cherry Coca-Cola, Sprite, Minute Maid Lemonade, Mello Yello, Barq’s Root Beer, and Fanta. Dr. Pepper and Diet Dr. Pepper will remain on the menu. 

The refreshing move left many Skyline and Gold Star fans stunned, while others welcomed the switch.

“While I’ve never had Skyline or Gold Star, I can picture (Coke products) pairing excellently with Skyline or Gold Star,” junior Aaron O’Loughlin said.

“Holding a Coke in your hand is just simply superior,” first-year nursing major Jaclyn Scaffidi said.

“What Coke products exist that compare to Mountain Dew? None,” senior exercise science major Mitch Slyman said.

Skyline is known as the origin of fast-food style service of cheese coney dogs and 3-Ways, which involve a combination of spaghetti, chili and cheese. Customers can add beans or onions to make it a 4-Way or 5-Way. Gold Star also serves coney dogs and ways while also expanding their menu to include burgers, chicken sandwiches and milkshakes.

The closest Skyline to Xavier lies in Surrey Square, and the closest Gold Star is found on Reading Road.

In a straw poll of a random sample of 64 Musketeers, 55% of respondents preferred Skyline, 33% did not have a preference and 12% preferred Gold Star.

Of the same respondents, 92% preferred Coke products, while 7% favor Pepsi and 1% abstain from soft drinks.

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