Kool Bell Builds Beyond Music With Champagne & Coconut Water

For decades, Kool & the Gang has provided the soundtrack to countless celebrations. Now, co-founder Robert “Kool” Bell is channeling that spirit of celebration into building a lasting business empire. Bell is expanding his entrepreneurial ventures beyond music, focusing on luxury champagne and wellness-focused coconut water, aiming to create something designed to outlast even the band’s iconic hits.

From ‘Celebration’ to Le Kool Champagne

Bell’s latest venture, Le Kool Champagne, is a luxury brand directly tied to France’s renowned Champagne region, where he even owns land. Unlike many celebrity-backed alcohol brands that rely on endorsements, Bell envisioned something more authentic. He wanted his champagne to be on the same shelves as legendary names like Dom Pérignon and Cristal.

Developing Le Kool Champagne, in partnership with France’s Berthelot family, presented a new set of challenges. Bell explained that navigating the complex, state-by-state licensing for alcohol distribution was a steep learning curve, vastly different from the music industry. Despite the hurdles, Le Kool Champagne is steadily expanding its reach through regional partnerships, cruises, and events.

Wellness and Legacy with Kool King Coconut Water

Complementing his champagne venture, Bell is also developing Kool King Coconut Water. This wellness-focused brand was inspired by his own experience on the road. Bell found himself relying heavily on energy drinks until he discovered the benefits of coconut water, which quickly became a daily staple, even leading him to ditch the energy drinks altogether.

Kool King Coconut Water is now available in bottles and cans and is expanding its distribution. This move into the wellness beverage market shows Bell’s commitment to diversification and staying ahead of trends, much like how Kool & the Gang evolved from regional hits to national success.

Building Generational Wealth

More than just expanding his business portfolio, Bell’s ventures represent a significant shift towards ownership and generational wealth. As the last surviving original member of Kool & the Gang, he feels a responsibility to carry forward the group’s legacy and ensure its impact extends beyond music. He proudly involves his sons, Muhammad and Hakim, in these ventures, including the champagne business and the nonprofit Kool Kids Foundation.

Bell emphasizes the difference between simply making money and building something that lasts. Whether it’s French champagne, internationally sourced coconut water, or future beverage projects, Robert “Kool” Bell is demonstrating that his ambition extends far beyond the stage, driven by a desire to create lasting value for the next generation.