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

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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.

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256 Middle St, New Bern, NC 28560, USA