The Australian "Stubby Strip" maybe should have changed its name as it hopped hemispheres. Most Americans probably don't know that a "stubby" is a short, wide beer bottle aka a "steinie."
Nonetheless, the Twin Cities is the first market in the U.S. to be introduced to an easy way to tote a six pack of beer, soda, water and energy drinks or a 4-pack of wine. The beer or wine caddy fits glass, aluminum or plastic bottles and cans up to 1.24 liters. (Two-liter soda bottles are too large to fit).
The lightweight neoprene fabric and velcro enclosure keep drinks cold and secure as you carry them with a simple, comfortable handle.
Franchise owner Korosh Delnawaz said business has been brisk and he's sold nearly 3,000 of them since November. The advantage is that the material is much lighter weight than a cooler and when folded flat it takes up far less space. Delnawaz describes the strip as an easier way to cart drinks to a beach, boat, campsite, sporting event, party or concert. "Think of a cooler as a mother ship," he said. "The Stubby Strip is much more portable."
Delnawaz currently sells two varieties in kiosks in Ridgedale on the second floor near Macy's and in Mall of America on the third floor near Sears. The price is $24.95 for the Original strip that carries 7 regular sized bottles. It's $29.95 for the Vino strip that holds 4 wine bottles. The Original comes in 5 colors and the Vino comes in two.
The company is hoping to land the product in Wal-Mart and Target, but for now it's available online and at the two kiosks in MOA and Ridgedale.
