Quick answer: Pepsi-Cola was created in New Bern, North Carolina, by pharmacist Caleb Bradham, who first sold it as “Brad’s Drink” at his downtown drugstore in the 1890s. The corner where that drugstore stood is now a small, free-to-walk-into Pepsi store at the corner of Middle and Pollock Streets, a short stroll from the river and the historic district.
Key takeaways
- Caleb Bradham, a local pharmacist, invented the drink in New Bern and renamed it Pepsi-Cola in 1898.
- The Pepsi store sits downtown on the original drugstore corner and works as a shop, soda counter and mini-museum.
- Plan on 20 to 45 minutes, and pair it with a downtown walk, lunch and the waterfront.
- Check the store’s current hours before you go, since small downtown shops change seasonally.
Who Was Caleb Bradham?
Caleb Davis Bradham was born in 1867 in the Chinquapin area of Duplin County, North Carolina. He studied at the University of Maryland’s medical school with the plan of becoming a doctor, but family money troubles pushed him toward pharmacy instead. He eventually settled in New Bern and opened a drugstore at the corner of Middle and Pollock Streets.
In that era, a drugstore was also the town’s social hub. The soda fountain was where people gathered, and a pharmacist who could mix a good fountain drink had a loyal crowd.
From “Brad’s Drink” to Pepsi-Cola
Bradham experimented with fountain drinks and landed on a blend of sugar, vanilla, rare oils and kola nut extract. Customers loved it, and locals started calling it “Brad’s Drink.” He marketed it as something that was pleasant to drink and also good for digestion, which is where the name came from.
In 1898, Bradham renamed it Pepsi-Cola, a nod to the digestive enzyme pepsin and the kola nut. He later formed the Pepsi-Cola Company and began bottling and franchising the drink, a business that grew far beyond one corner of Craven County.
The Timeline at a Glance
| Year (approx.) | What happened |
|---|---|
| 1890s | Bradham mixes a fountain drink at his New Bern drugstore; locals call it “Brad’s Drink” |
| 1898 | The drink is renamed Pepsi-Cola |
| 1902 | Pepsi-Cola Company is formed and the brand begins to expand |
| Early 1900s | Bottling franchises spread across the country |
| 1920s | The company hits financial trouble after sugar price swings and ends up in bankruptcy |
Exact dates vary slightly between sources, so treat the years above as the commonly cited ones. The store and local historical groups can give you the fuller picture when you visit.
Why It Matters to New Bern
Pepsi is one of the few things that puts a town of this size on a global map. It is also a good entry point into the story of New Bern itself, a river town with a long commercial and political history. If you want that bigger picture, our guide to the history of New Bern fills in the rest.
Locals have a quiet pride about it. You will see Pepsi branding around downtown, and it is a regular conversation starter with visitors who did not realize the drink started here and not in a big northern city.
A global soft drink brand began as a neighborhood pharmacist’s fountain experiment on a New Bern street corner.
Visiting the Pepsi Store
The store occupies the corner where Bradham’s pharmacy operated. It is not a large attraction, and it is best thought of as a fun 20 to 45 minute stop rather than an all-day outing.
What to expect inside
- A retail shop with Pepsi-branded merchandise, vintage-style signs, glassware and souvenirs
- A soda counter feel with Pepsi products and, historically, a nod to the fountain-era serving style
- Historical displays and memorabilia that tell the Bradham story
- A photo-friendly corner, popular with families and road-trippers
Entry to browse has generally been free, but offerings, menu items and hours change. Check with the store directly or its official channels for current details before you plan around it.
Local tip: Go on a weekday morning if you can. Summer weekends and festival days bring crowds to downtown, and parking near the corner gets tight. Park a few blocks away and walk; downtown New Bern is compact and the walk is half the fun.
Parking and getting there
From US-70 or US-17, follow signs into downtown New Bern. Street parking and public lots are available, though spaces fill up on busy days. Give yourself a few extra minutes in peak season, and watch posted time limits.
Making It a Full Downtown Day
The Pepsi store pairs easily with other downtown stops, all within walking distance of each other.
- Start at the store for the history and a souvenir.
- Walk the historic district past colonial-era and Victorian-era homes. Our historic district walking tour guide lays out a route.
- Tour Tryon Palace, the reconstructed colonial governor’s residence, and check its official site for current hours and ticketing.
- Eat downtown. See our guide to the best restaurants downtown for ideas.
- Finish at the waterfront by the Neuse and Trent confluence for an easy sunset walk.
For more ideas beyond Pepsi, browse our things to do in New Bern list, or look at free things to do if you are watching the budget.
Good for kids?
Generally yes, though it is a short stop. Kids tend to enjoy the soda, the colorful merchandise and the bear statues scattered around downtown. For more family planning, see things to do with kids in New Bern and Craven County.
The Pepsi corner is small, but it anchors a downtown that rewards slow walking.
Honest Notes Before You Go
- It is modest. If you expect a big museum, adjust expectations. It is a shop with history woven in.
- Summer heat and humidity are real. Plan indoor stops like the store for the hottest part of the afternoon.
- Crowds vary. Festival weekends, including fall events like MumFest, make downtown busy.
- Storm season matters. If you are visiting in late summer or early fall, keep an eye on forecasts. Our hurricane season guide explains what that means locally.
- Confirm details. Hours, offerings and prices change, so verify with the store or local visitor resources.
Living Near the Story
If this visit has you wondering what it is like to live in a town with this much history, start with our overview of living in New Bern. For more reading on local heritage, the History & Culture hub collects our stories, and the Food & Drink hub covers where to eat and drink around town.
FAQ
Is Pepsi really from New Bern, NC?
Yes. Pharmacist Caleb Bradham created the drink at his New Bern drugstore in the 1890s and renamed it Pepsi-Cola in 1898.
What was Pepsi originally called?
It was first known as “Brad’s Drink,” named for Bradham, before becoming Pepsi-Cola.
Is it free to visit the Pepsi store?
Browsing has typically been free, though you will pay for drinks and merchandise. Check current details with the store before visiting.
How long should I plan for the visit?
Most visitors spend 20 to 45 minutes. It works best as one stop in a longer downtown walk.
Is the store on the original spot?
It is at the corner of Middle and Pollock Streets, the location associated with Bradham’s original drugstore.
