Birthplace of Pepsi Cola

Did you know that one of the world's most popular carbonated drinks started in a humble pharmacy? Right here in New Bern, located in the USA, is the Birthplace of Pepsi—a unique historical site and museum dedicated to the history of this legendary brand.

This tourist site is a recreation of the pharmacy owned by Caleb Bradham, who invented the original formula for "Brad’s Drink" in 1893. Today, the building operates as the Pepsi Store—a harmonious blend of a museum, a retro pharmacy with a soda fountain, and a souvenir shop, where artifacts from the late 19th century are carefully preserved.

The building's interior maintains the authentic look of that era: wooden shelves, antique display cases, and a wealth of memorabilia, including the first advertising posters and collectible bottles. This place has become a true symbol of pride for locals and a must-visit for pop culture history enthusiasts traveling through North Carolina.

To confirm visit details or organize a group tour, you can use the official communication channels. The Birthplace of Pepsi actively engages with tourists and provides all the necessary information about current events. Below are the primary contact details to help you find your way.

Once inside, you'll feel as though you've traveled back in time to the golden age of American soda fountains. Your first stop should be the famous soda fountain to try a classic Pepsi or rare flavors that are hard to find in a regular supermarket.

The museum portion of the exhibit invites you to explore the past in detail: rare photographs, early jingles, and vintage advertising signs are on display here. You can see a reconstruction of Bradham's workspace and learn about the specific natural ingredients that were part of the original "Brad’s Drink" over a hundred years ago.

For collectors and memorabilia hunters, there is a gift shop with a huge selection of merchandise—from modern T-shirts to replicas of antique bottles. Additionally, visiting this spot is often part of a larger "Pepsi Tour" around the city, which can include a stop at the North Carolina History Center, home to interactive exhibits about 19th-century life.

Finding the legendary pharmacy in downtown New Bern is easy, as it is located at the intersection of the bustling Middle and Pollock Streets. If you are arriving in the region by plane, the trip from Coastal Carolina Regional Airport (EWN) by taxi or rental car will take only about 5-10 minutes.

For those who prefer public transportation, the Tryon Palace shuttle runs through the city and stops in the immediate vicinity of the museum. Free parking is also available in the central part of the city, which is very convenient for those traveling by car.

New Bern is a very compact and pedestrian-friendly city, so a walk from major attractions like Tryon Palace takes no more than five minutes. You can enjoy the atmosphere of the historic neighborhoods, stopping by antique shops and local cafes along the way.

The story of this legendary brand began in 1893 when local pharmacist Caleb Bradham introduced a drink called "Brad’s Drink" to his customers. The original recipe included a blend of sugar, water, caramel, lemon oil, nutmeg, and kola nuts, and was intended to aid digestion and boost energy.

The beverage was officially renamed Pepsi-Cola in 1898. It is believed that the name was derived from the word "pepsin," although the enzyme itself was never actually part of the syrup. Bradham officially registered the trademark in 1903, and within a year, sales reached impressive volumes, allowing for the start of industrial bottling.

Despite its immense success and rapid franchise expansion across the country, the company faced hard times in the 1920s due to wild fluctuations in sugar prices, leading to bankruptcy. However, the brand managed to rebound during the Great Depression thanks to an aggressive "12 ounces for 5 cents" marketing strategy—offering twice the volume of its competitors for the same price.

Today, the building on Middle Street is not just a shop but an important cultural landmark. In the 2010s, PepsiCo leadership even held shareholder meetings here to emphasize the global corporation's deep connection to its humble birthplace in North Carolina.

To fully immerse yourself in the nostalgic atmosphere and see all the details of the exhibits, most visitors need between 1 and 2 hours. This is plenty of time to leisurely study the historical artifacts, take souvenir photos, and pick out some merchandise.

If you plan to do more than just browse—like sitting at the soda fountain to enjoy a classic drink or combining the visit with a tour of the neighboring historic districts—you should budget about 3 hours in your schedule. The site is popular, so it can be slightly more crowded on weekends than usual.

The museum and store doors are open to visitors throughout the week, making it easy to fit a visit into your travel schedule. Please note that the operating hours are shorter on Sundays.

Opening Hours:

• Monday: 10:00 – 18:00
• Tuesday: 10:00 – 18:00
• Wednesday: 10:00 – 18:00
• Thursday: 10:00 – 18:00
• Friday: 10:00 – 18:00
• Saturday: 10:00 – 18:00
• Sunday: 12:00 – 16:00

A stroll around the area after visiting the Pepsi Store will allow you to dive deeper into the colonial history of one of the state's oldest cities. Many interesting sites are within walking distance, forming a single tourist route through the historic center.

Exploring nearby attractions will enrich your trip experience, allowing you to see not only the city's commercial history but also its architectural heritage and picturesque parks.