It would be difficult to grow up in North Carolina without acquiring the knowledge that America’s BEST soft drinks were invented right here in the Tar Heel State. But for newbies in town, we’re willing to boast about how Pepsi was invented in North Carolina. (We’re also super proud to be the birthplace of Cheerwine!)

Not only that, but Pepsi lovers the world over can still pay a visit to — and order up an ice cold Pepsi from — the very location where Pepsi was born in downtown New Bern!
TripAdvisor/Jangta
In a quick recounting of history, Pepsi's story is one of innovation — medical innovation, that is.
Google/Sharee Smith
Back in the late 1800s, the birthplace of Pepsi was a corner pharmacy in New Bern. And the pharmacist, Caleb Bradham, would mix up concoctions of his own that cured indigestion and other ailments.
Bradham's drink first came on the scene in 1893 and was simply called "Brad's Drink."
Wikipedia/Sandstein
But it became so popular that Bradham decided to mix up larger and larger batches and soon, he was bottling it. In 1898, it was renamed Pepsi-Cola. Later, in the 1960s, the name was shortened to just Pepsi.

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Today, the birthplace of Pepsi, also known as The Pepsi Store, is owned by the local Pepsi bottler, Minges Bottling Group, located 40 miles northwest of New Bern.
Google/Jennifer Westra
Pepsi enthusiasts from all over can savor the delight of drinking a Pepsi right in the very spot in which it was invented nearly 130 years ago.
The store is quite large and has a small cafe area where visitors can have a seat and enjoy every last drop of their Pepsi.
Google/Philipe Lorenzo
It also has tons of Pepsi-branded merchandise so visitors can load up on stuff for themselves and stocking stuffers for fellow Pepsi lovers.
TripAdvisor/KG4WFD
And of course, the amount and quality of Pepsi memorabilia on display here makes this store one of the best Pepsi museums in the world!
Ever visit the birthplace of Pepsi (New Bern) and The Pepsi Store?
Google/Reinaldo Carrion

Find more information, including store hours on The Pepsi Store website. Did you know before now that Pepsi was invented in North Carolina?

While you’re visiting downtown New Bern, take a stroll over to the centuries-old Cedar Grove Cemetery and pay a visit to Caleb Bradham’s modest grave site.

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Birthplace of Pepsi Cola, 256 Middle St, New Bern, NC 28560, USA