During times of sustained inflation — those periods when the price of a carton of eggs makes headlines — it doesn’t take much for a business executive to cast themselves as an enemy in the eyes of an overextended American public, but out-of-touch statements with a certain “let them eat cake” undercurrent are certainly a shortcut to achieving villainy. 

For instance, in February,  WK Kellogg Co. CEO Gary Pilnick was likened to Marie Antoinette for encouraging people to eat cereal for dinner as a way to save money; this, despite the fact that the price per unit of Kellogg’s products was up nearly 20% compared to the year prior, the highest increase among ready-to-eat cereal brands. “There’s no reason for you to jack up your prices the way you did, except to screw us,” said the narration in one TikTok video that went viral at the time. 

Months later, Brian Niccol, the CEO of Chipotle was similarly accused of “greedflation” as customers began to report receiving smaller portion sizes when they visited the Mexican-inspired chain. Reddit is littered with hundreds of similar complaints — which somehow weren’t ameliorated by Niccol’s recommendation that customers give employees a special look (eyes wide, head tilted in disappointment) when they “want a little more pico.” 

Perhaps that’s why Don Vultaggio, the founder of Arizona Iced Tea, is being lauded as an inflation-time hero for making one simple, yet audacious proclamation: The brand’s 23-ounce cans, which have cost 99 cents for three decades, will continue to be priced at 99 cents for the foreseeable future. 

“We’re successful, we’re debt-free,” Vultaggio explained to TODAY’s Savannah Sellers in a June interview. “We own everything. Why? Why have people who are having a hard time paying their rent have to pay more for our drink?”

Vultaggio went on to say that he doesn’t intend to raise prices “in the foreseeable future,” a decision impacted by both his background — during his first job as a grocery clerk in Brooklyn, he made $1 an hour — and the current state of the economy. 

“Everything [people are] buying today there’s a price increase on. We’re trying to hold the ground for a consumer who is pinched on all fronts,” Vultaggio explained. “I’ve been in business a long time, and candidly, I’ve never seen anything like what’s going on now. Every single thing has gone up, and I call it ‘from a paper clip to a too-big filling machine.’”

That said, there are rarely clean-cut victories for consumers under Big Capitalism and the real cost of Arizona Iced Tea is no exception. While Vultaggio can continue stamping “99-cents” on the can, that doesn’t guarantee stores will actually comply when it comes to their pricing. It’s a discrepancy that numerous observational comedians have used as fodder, and even inspired a satirical commercial on the FX series “Atlanta” which features the now-iconic line: “The price is on the can, though.” 

Since Vultaggio’s TODAY interview, X, formerly Twitter, has been flooded with field reports from bodegas and corner stores across the country, where users take and post photographic proof of offending cans, with prices sometimes up to $2. In response to one meme that depicted Arizona Iced Tea as a fantastical giant fighting back its enemy, inflation, an X user said: “As a New Yorker, I’m legally obligated to love Arizona iced tea  — and I do — but y’all can’t be posting this … when it’s impossible to find it for sale at 99¢ pretty much anywhere any more.” 

Since federal agencies don’t control how much your local supermarket or corner store charges, this isn’t illegal (and despite rumors to the contrary, there isn’t a federal hotline to call to report stores that slap a $1.34 price tag on a can of Arizona Iced Tea). This is something that Vultaggio himself has acknowledged. 

“I hate to raise prices, I’m an old salesman and the worst day in a salesman’s life is when he has to go to a customer and say you have to pay more,” Vultaggio later told TODAY.com. “But on the other side of it, we’ve done all we can to hold the price.”

He continued:  “Unfortunately, we don’t govern how store owners choose to price their products. The price is on the can. We do all we can to help retailers remain profitable, so stores can sell it for 99 cents.” However, Vultaggio has promised that his company is “gonna fight as hard as we can for consumers.” 

“Maybe it’s my little way to give back,” he said. 

The Arizona Diamondbacks picked up a 7-5 win in San Diego after the Padres’ defense fell flat in the 10th inning and the D-backs’ bullpen stepped up with its back against the wall.

Geraldo Perdomo’s successful lead-off bunt opened up a window for the D-backs, especially after Randal Grichuk — Friday night’s near-hero pinch hitting for Joc Pederson on Saturday — worked a walk to load the bases.

Christian Walker cashed in with a groundball that found the hole in the defense, bringing home two runs.

C-WALK COMES THROUGH! pic.twitter.com/foQnoCb1XL

— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) July 7, 2024

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Jake McCarthy later grounded into a fielder’s choice that saw Grichuk come home, giving a three-run lead to Thyago Vieira, who got the ball to start the bottom of the 10th.

D-backs’ bullpen fights through adversity

Vieira walked his first batter, Manny Machado, to bring the tying run to the plate for San Diego. Donovan Solano then knocked a ball just past Corbin Carroll in right field for a double, bringing home one run and leaving two more runners in scoring position with no outs.

He walked the go-ahead run onto first base shortly after as he was unable to find the strike zone.

Vieira recorded his first out on his 22nd pitch, a strikeout, coming off the mound in favor of Humberto Castellanos immediately after.

Castellanos — making just his third D-backs appearance — struck out Ha-Seong Kim, who earlier tied the game in the eighth for San Diego with an RBI double. Then it was a flyout from Kyle Higashioka to end the game.

Paul Sewald had an off day after two straight blown saves, his first two of the year.

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Retirees and seniors flock to Arizona for its mild climates, affordability, and welcoming community of locals. Known as the Grand Canyon State, Arizona is the perfect place to retire for those looking to spend their Golden years in a spacious environment and lead an active lifestyle. From bedroom communities that allow easy access to major metropolitan cities like Coolidge to secluded nature-centric spots like Sierra Vista, where seniors can embrace the desert allure, read along to find your ideal new hometown in Arizona.

Wickenburg

Wickenburg is one of the oldest cities in Arizona, and it stands out as one of the best budget-friendly retirement spots for its well-rounded amenities. Located 65 miles from the major metropolis of Phoenix, Wickenburg’s main appeal is its proximity to big city amenities. Aside from its convenient location, everything from the town’s central shopping district to the housing layout and desert setting evokes a nostalgic Wild West aura. Seniors relocating to Wickenburg can find everyday necessities on the historic Frontier Street that dates back to the early 1900s while also discovering the town’s major tourist attractions like the Saguaro Theater and the Santa Fe Depot, along with endless team roping events hosted at places like the Big Tree Arena and Western Trails. Additionally, seniors who require attentive medical care can choose between popular retirement homes like My Father’s Retirement Ranch or Rustic Ranch Senior Living, while the main healthcare facility in town is the Wickenburg Community Hospital. In 2024, the average home price in Wickenburg is valued at $599,900, significantly more expensive than other options, yet estimated to be 95% of the national average.

Winslow

Winslow is a nature-centric town with an old-time appeal evident in its historic buildings. Adorned with parks and landmarks, Winslow defines the small-town experience with its tight-knit community of 9,000 residents, a thriving scene of local businesses, and quirky landmarks that pay tribute to the town’s iconic location along Route 66. Despite the town’s small size, seniors relocating to Winslow can enjoy easy access to top-notch healthcare amenities like the US PHS Winslow Indian Hospital, North Country HealthCare, and Little Colorado Medical Center. Better yet, the town’s tourist appeal adds a lively element, drawing thousands of visitors from all over, with the most popular being The Apache Death Cave, Standin’ on The Corner Park, and The Two Guns ghost town. As affordable as the best budget-friendly towns in Arizona get, the average home price is valued at $199,500.

Williams

Best known as an essential stop on your way to the Grand Canyon, Williams is the perfect budget-friendly small town for seniors seeking a relaxing mountainous landscape. The small town has a population of 3,398 and enjoys a rustic ambiance that adds to its homely appeal. Thanks to the town’s far-out remote location, it is best suited for seniors looking for an affordable town away from urbanization and enjoying a slower pace of life. William’s unique location near communities like Sedona and Flagstaff is also a main contributor to the town’s appeal as newcomers have a variety of welcoming communities to explore with just a short drive of less than 33 mi. The average home price in Williams is valued at $635,000, while the downside of relocating to Williams is its limited healthcare options. The best healthcare options near town are spread across other communities like Northern Arizona Healthcare in Sedona, which sits 63 miles away.

Sierra Vista

Sierra Vista is more of a small city than a town with a sizable population of 45,439 and a convenient location near the major metropolis of Tucson, Arizona. Known as the Hummingbird Capital of the US, Sierra Vista is also one of the best small towns for nature-passionate seniors to relocate to. Adding to the nature-centric ambiance is its lively business scene with an abundance of restaurants and wineries. Some of the town’s locally renowned businesses include Silver Strike Winery, The German Cafe, and La Casita Mexican Restaurant. Sierra Vista also boasts an array of retirement home options with some of the best-rated being Mountain View Gardens Gracious Retirement Living. The average home in Sierra Vista was valued at $325,000, making it a median option between affordable and average-priced home prices in Arizona. From Miller’s Peak’s lush mountainous area to the Patterson Observatory, this small town caters to all nature interests while enjoying a youthful ambiance emphasized by the student population of the University of Arizona.

Coolidge

Coolidge offers a small-town feel with the convenience of being near larger cities like Phoenix and Tucson. This small town makes almost every list of the best places to retire, with over 15% of its population being over the age of 65 and 11.9% of residents being veterans. Aside from affordability, the small town enjoys a desert setting that caters to a healthy active lifestyle. Balancing a countryside lifestyle near major metropolitan areas, Coolidge’s unique advantage compared to other small towns is a relaxed lifestyle with easy access to big city amenities, hospitals, and more. The average home price in Coolidge was valued at $299,000 in 2024, with the main healthcare facilities being in nearby cities. Top-notch healthcare facilities near the town include Arizona Heart Hospital and the Tucson Medical Center. With a population of around 13,000, Coolidge provides a peaceful and affordable retirement option, while boasting a rich historical ambiance with attractions like Casa Grande Ruins National Monument.

Douglas

Finally, Douglas offers a unique take on the small-town lifestyle, located on the Mexican and American borders. Multiculturalism in town is complemented by historical elements of well-preserved attractions like the Gadsden Hotel and the Douglas Williams House, showcasing artifacts from a bygone era. Enhancing its appeal, Douglas combines natural beauty with a Wild West ambiance, offering a unique twist to the typical affordable Arizona lifestyle. Better yet, those looking to retire near the Mexican border can also choose from a wide range of senior homes, with popular options being Haven Health Douglas, Cypress Inn, and the far-out Lesan Assisted Living with a countryside retirement appeal. Seniors relocating to Douglas can own a home for as low as $193,000 while enjoying a blend of cultures, cuisines, and community events.

Ultimately, Arizona offers an array of budget-friendly towns that cater to retirees seeking a mix of affordability, natural beauty, and welcoming communities. With varying prices and appeals, retirees have numerous options when moving to Arizona. The common threads among these towns are their desert settings and rich histories. With each town having its unique quirk, it becomes easier to choose your new hometown after spending a few days in each community and getting a deeper insight into life as a local.