Visit The Spot In North Carolina Where Pepsi Cola Was Invented

Die-hard Pepsi-Cola enthusiasts in North Carolina are downright thrilled to boast how the best soft drink on the planet was born right here on North Carolina turf. It’s not hard to jump on the bandwagon when it comes to Pepsi, whose very existence graced the U.S. only seven years after its biggest rival (who shall remain nameless in this article) was created.

Back in the early days of the soft drink, Pepsi’s advertising promised to cool you down, wind you up, and even get rid of a headache.

Wikipedia/Pepsi-Cola

But at the very start, Pepsi — then known as ‘Brad’s Drink’ — had a very humble beginning at this spot in downtown New Bern.

Facebook/Birthplace of Pepsi-Cola, New Bern, NC

Thanks to this man: Caleb Bradham.

findagrave.com/Ron Moody After a twist of fate, Bradham dropped out of medical school and instead opened a pharmacy.

It was located at the corner of Pollock Street and Middle Street in New Bern.

Google Local/Jeff Rowe

Back then, pharmacists were known to mix up concoctions of their own and Caleb’s own carbonated drink, Brad’s drink, sold like hot cakes to those who had indigestion.

Google Local/David Jones

Brad’s Drink featured kola nut extract, vanilla, and some oils. He began selling it 1893.

Google Local/George Randy Bass

By 1898, he’d renamed the invention Pepsi-Cola, a combination of ‘pepsin’ and ‘cola.’

Google Local/Sandoval Delgadillo Pepsi Cola Company incorporated in North Carolina in 1902 - with Caleb as President.

At the corner of Pollock and Middle Streets in New Bern today, visitors can step inside Bradham’s Pharmacy, now a Pepsi store.

Google Local/Michael Torbert For Pepsi lovers everywhere, a visit to where it all began is a must.

While you’re in New Bern to visit the spot where Pepsi was born, take a short walk over to the Cedar Grove Cemetery.

Google Local/zach harp Caleb Bradham’s modest grave marker looks just like all the surrounding markers, with one exception.

To learn more about the birthplace of Pepsi-Cola and find the hours for the Pepsi store than now occupied Bradham’s Pharmacy, visit the official website.

Wikipedia/Pepsi-Cola

Facebook/Birthplace of Pepsi-Cola, New Bern, NC

findagrave.com/Ron Moody

After a twist of fate, Bradham dropped out of medical school and instead opened a pharmacy.

Google Local/Jeff Rowe

Google Local/David Jones

Google Local/George Randy Bass

Google Local/Sandoval Delgadillo

Pepsi Cola Company incorporated in North Carolina in 1902 - with Caleb as President.

Google Local/Michael Torbert

For Pepsi lovers everywhere, a visit to where it all began is a must.

Google Local/zach harp

Caleb Bradham’s modest grave marker looks just like all the surrounding markers, with one exception.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: 256 Middle St, New Bern, NC 28560, USA