Discover The Birthplace of Pepsi in New Bern, NC

For one of the most historically significant stops in New Bern, NC, the Birthplace of Pepsi is a real treasure. Set at the corner of Middle and Pollock Streets in downtown Craven County‘s historic county seat, this beloved museum and soda fountain occupies the original pharmacy of Caleb Bradham — the young North Carolina pharmacist who, more than a century ago, mixed the now-iconic fizzy concoction that would eventually become Pepsi-Cola. Be sure to check out the YouTube video and pictures below to get a feel for the museum before you go — or to relive the visit after.

Caleb Bradham and “Brad’s Drink”

The story of Pepsi-Cola begins with Caleb Bradham, a young pharmacist who operated a small pharmacy on Middle Street in downtown New Bern in the late 1800s. Like many pharmacists of his era, Bradham experimented with carbonated drinks at his soda fountain, seeking refreshing tonics customers would enjoy. By the early 1890s, he had developed a refreshing blend of carbonated water, sugar, vanilla, rare oils, and kola nut extract that he initially called simply “Brad’s Drink.”

The drink quickly became a local favorite. Designed to aid digestion and boost energy, “Brad’s Drink” caught on among Bradham’s New Bern customers, who began asking for it by name. Soon enough, the demand outstripped the corner pharmacy entirely.

From Local Favorite to Global Icon

In August 1898, Bradham officially renamed his creation Pepsi-Cola — inspired by “pepsis,” the Greek word for digestion that referenced the drink’s tonic origins. The name change marked the beginning of one of the most remarkable American beverage success stories ever told. From its modest beginnings as a local pharmacy specialty, Pepsi-Cola grew into a global brand that has come to define an entire category of American soft drinks.

For visitors today, the most remarkable part is standing in the exact spot where the recipe was first mixed — and imagining the early customers of Bradham’s pharmacy ordering the drink at the soda fountain that started it all.

Visiting the Birthplace of Pepsi Today

The original pharmacy at the corner of Middle and Pollock Streets has been carefully preserved and transformed into a delightful museum that celebrates Pepsi’s origins. Inside, visitors find:

A working old-fashioned soda fountain serving classic Pepsi-Cola and other fountain drinks
Vintage memorabilia spanning more than a century of Pepsi history — from early bottles and bottle caps to vintage advertisements, posters, and promotional items
Interactive exhibits that bring the story of Caleb Bradham and the early days of Pepsi to life
A gift shop stocked with Pepsi-Cola merchandise, retro souvenirs, and a wide range of Pepsi-themed items

The atmosphere genuinely captures the spirit of a turn-of-the-century pharmacy and soda fountain, complete with original architectural details and warm, welcoming service from staff who clearly love sharing the building’s history.

For visitors who want to dive even deeper into the Pepsi story, a small Pepsi exhibit is also on display at the North Carolina History Center, just a short walk away — a nice complement to a visit to the original pharmacy.

Bradham’s Lasting Legacy in New Bern

Caleb Bradham’s footprint in New Bern extends beyond the corner of Middle and Pollock Streets. Just one block away, on Middle Street, sits the historic Stanly Building, completed in 1913, where Bradham opened his second pharmacy, the “Broad Street Store” of the Bradham Drug Company. A 1914 directory lauded the new pharmacy’s modern design and sanitary equipment, praising its beautiful soda fountain as the “Handsomest in the South.”

Today, the Stanly Building is home to The Chelsea, one of downtown New Bern’s most beloved restaurants. Many of the building’s original interior features have been carefully preserved — including mosaic tile floors, multi-paned transom windows, and pressed-tin ceilings — and the restaurant pays warm tribute to Bradham’s legacy with Pepsi-themed dishes and cocktails that connect today’s diners to the building’s remarkable past.

Along with the Charles Slover House, The Chelsea’s Stanly Building is one of only two structures in New Bern directly connected to Caleb Bradham’s legacy outside of the original pharmacy itself — making a visit to both spots a meaningful way to experience the full arc of Bradham’s life and work in New Bern.

Good to Know

Address: Corner of Middle and Pollock Streets, New Bern, NC
Original drink date: Early 1890s (as “Brad’s Drink”)
Pepsi-Cola naming date: August 1898
Name origin: “Pepsis,” the Greek word for digestion
Features: Working old-fashioned soda fountain, vintage Pepsi memorabilia, interactive exhibits, gift shop
Best for: History buffs, families, Pepsi enthusiasts, and visitors looking to experience a true American original
Pair with: A visit to Tryon Palace, the North Carolina History Center (which features a small Pepsi exhibit of its own), the Pepsi Family Center, a meal at The Chelsea (housed in the Stanly Building, Bradham’s second pharmacy), or a stroll through New Bern’s historic downtown
Located in downtown New Bern, NC

A New Bern Highlight

The Birthplace of Pepsi is the kind of stop that captures the genuine magic of small-town American history. A young pharmacist, a small soda fountain, a curious experiment with flavors — and somehow, an entire global beverage industry traces its roots back to this exact corner. Whether you’re a longtime Pepsi fan, a fan of American beverage history, or just a visitor looking to step into one of the most historically significant pharmacies in the country, this is one of the most unforgettable stops you can make in North Carolina.