Latest news with #OlajuwonAjanaku
Axios
09-07-2025
- Business
- Axios
Eastside Golf opens first store at Detroit Metro
Eastside Golf, an apparel company that began in an apartment on Jefferson Avenue, just opened its first U.S. store at Detroit Metro Airport. The big picture: From its humble start nearly a decade ago, Eastside Golf has ascended to an international brand, boasting partnerships with the PGA Tour, NBA, Nordstrom, Dick's Sporting Goods and others. Zoom in: Eastside is selling sweatshirts, polos, bucket hats and other items adorned with the brand's Swingman logo inside the 300-square-foot DTW store near Gate 34 in the McNamara Terminal. Hoodies retail online for up to $145 and polos cost up to $85. Catch up quick: Co-founder Olajuwon Ajanaku created Eastside's logo about eight years ago while living in the since-rebranded Jeffersonian Apartments, while working in finance. He felt unfulfilled in banking and applied to more than 50 golf-related jobs, but was rejected every time. What they're saying: Those rejections helped shape the brand's logo — a Black man wearing a sweatshirt, jeans and a gold chain while swinging a golf club. "I was tired of trying to fit into a mold. Why not come into the sport as I am," Ajanaku tells Axios Detroit. Flashback: Ajanaku grew up in Atlanta (where the Eastside name originated) and played golf at Morehouse College with Flint native and Eastside co-founder Earl Cooper. "To be able to open our first store in a city that has so much meaning for both Olajuwon and me feels like a full circle moment for our brand," Cooper said in a statement. The company's other store is in Tokyo.
Fashion Network
08-07-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Eastside Golf opens first US retail store at Detroit Metropolitan Airport
Lifestyle brand Eastside Golf has opened its first U.S.-based retail store inside Detroit Metropolitan Airport. The 300-square-foot space, operated in partnership with Paradies Lagardère, offers a curated selection of the brand's signature apparel and accessories, including its signature Swingman sweatshirts, tracksuits, performance polos and bucket hats. Founded in 2019 by former Morehouse College golf teammates Olajuwon Ajanaku and Earl Cooper, Eastside Golf has been recognized for reshaping the game's image and appeal through authentic storytelling, collaborations, and fashion-forward design. "I came up with the idea for Eastside Golf while I was working in finance in Detroit," explained Ajanaku, Eastside Golf's founder and creative director. "I remember showing Earl a sketch of our Swingman logo, and he suggested I put it on a T-shirt. I did, and I was stopped so many times while I was walking around Detroit by people asking where I got this shirt. At that point, I knew there was something there and Eastside Golf was born. With that history, it just feels right to open our first store here.' "Detroit, and the state of Michigan, will always have a special place in my heart," added Cooper, co-founder of Eastside Golf, who was born in Flint and spent years working as a PGA Teaching Professional at the Detroit Golf Club. "I was born in Flint, and became the first-ever Black PGA Teaching Professional at the Detroit Golf Club. To be able to open our first store in a city that has so much meaning for both Olajuwon and me feels like a full circle moment for our brand.' The store's launch follows a strong year for Eastside Golf, which has expanded its retail footprint through new partnerships with Nordstrom, Dick's Sporting Goods, Golf Galaxy, and House of Sport. It also operates a store in Tokyo in collaboration with High Draw and launched in PGA Tour Shops in 2024, leading to a presence in 10 PGA Tour locations.
Hypebeast
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hypebeast
Sprite Blends Lemon-Lime and Tea for New Limited Edition Release
Summary Spriteis shaking up summer with its latest limited-time-only drink: Sprite + Tea. Hitting shelves today across the U.S. and Canada, the new offering blends Sprite's crisp lemon-lime flavor with the smooth taste of tea. Available in both regular and zero-sugar varieties, Sprite + Tea will remain on sale through October. Inspired by a viral social trend of fans steeping tea bags in Sprite, the beverage evolved from an intern-led project into a full-scale launch backed by Coca‑Cola's R&D team. Consumer testing helped fine-tune the amber-hued sparkling drink for a balanced, refreshing taste. 'We're always listening to our consumers,' said Kate Schaufelberger, Brand Director of Sprite North America. 'Sprite + Tea offers a unique take on a classic, and fans are going to love it.' To promote the launch, Sprite partnered withEastside Golf, a brand known for blending golf with hip-hop and basketball culture. The campaign includes a short film,The Fix, featuringEastsidefounders Olajuwon Ajanaku and Earl Cooper alongside rapper Monaleo. Packaging sports green, gold and amber accents, and fans can scan Sprite cans for exclusive content and perks. See the short film for yourself below.
