BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Fans packed Pavlish Beverage in Bethlehem for a celebration that blended sports, community and innovation with zero sugar.
Ben Weiss, the creator of the beverage company Bai and author of Basementality, recently introduced his newest venture, Crooked Tea, a zero-sugar hard tea that’s gaining traction across the East Coast and Midwest.
Ben Weiss, founder of Crooked Tea at Pavlish Beverage in Bethlehem, Pa., Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 (Jai Smith/Lehigh Daily)
Weiss teamed up with longtime Philadelphia Eagles star Brandon Graham to launch the brand with what they call “flavor, fun and purpose.”
Graham, a two-time Super Bowl champion and 15-year NFL veteran, greeted fans and signed memorabilia throughout the event — turning the Bethlehem celebration into a mix of autograph session, meet-and-greet and product promotion.
A large crowd awaits Brandon Graham at Pavlish Beverage in Bethlehem, Pa., Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025 (Jai Smith/Lehigh Daily)
“Building Crooked Tea with Ben is the perfect mission after my NFL career,” Graham said. “I believe in eating and drinking better, and I love that Crooked Tea tastes so great without using any sugar. I’m used to winning on the field — and now I’m ready to win off it, with a new team that’s changing the game.”
Weiss said Crooked Tea has a DNA rooted in transparency and clean ingredients.
“Crooked Tea is about flavor, fun and keeping it real — and what’s inside the can matters just as much as what’s outside,” he said. “We’re proud to say there’s zero sugar in every delicious sip.”
The crowd included Eagles fans and collectors who lined up to meet Graham and snag limited-edition “Strip Sack” collectible cards, designed by Philadelphia artist Jordan Spector and included in Crooked Tea’s “Strip Sack Pack” releases. Some of the rare cards were autographed on the spot.
“I’ve been waiting for three hours,” said Ryan, a lifelong Eagles fan wearing his original No. 54 draft jersey. “I watched Brandon Graham his whole career in Philly — he’s one of my favorite players of all time.”
Others came for both the experience and the message behind the brand. “It’s just giving to the community, man,” said Gavin Poliseo, who attended with his cousin. “It’s such a good thing to pop out and just sign some stuff and take pictures with fans.”
Rebecca Billera, who pulled one of the rare “Immortals” cards, said she only opened two packs before finding hers.
Rebecca Billera poses with her rare, signed “Immortals” card at Pavlish Beverage in Bethlehem
“I got him to sign it, and I have another holographic card he signed too,” she said. “I’m super stoked.”
Weiss said the collectible concept was a collaboration meant to connect fans with both the brand and Graham’s legacy.
“Each Strip Sack pack has a set of five cards, and there are some rare ones — like one of 10 signed by Brandon,” he said.
For Mark Pavlish, manager of Pavlish Beverage, the community turnout spoke for itself.
“I’m looking out the window at all the people that are here — kids, older people, everyone together,” he said. “In today’s world, seeing that makes me genuinely happy. That’s why we do it.”
Crooked Tea is available now in lemon, peach and raspberry flavors, each featuring a signature flavor mascot. It contains stevia for sweetening. With a growing footprint and new products planned, Weiss said the brand is “poised for national growth” in the coming years.