History of the Birthplace of Pepsi in New Bern, North Carolina

Photo byVisit Newbern

Caleb Davis Bradham was born on May 27, 1867, in Chinquapin, North Carolina. After graduating from the University of North Carolina, he pursued a medical degree at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

However, a family crisis forced him to abandon his dream of becoming a doctor and return home to North Carolina.

Back home, Bradham briefly taught school before opening his own drug store in downtown New Bern. It was here, in 1893, that Bradham created "Brad's Drink," a mixture of sugar, water, caramel, lemon oil, nutmeg, and other natural ingredients. The drink quickly became a local sensation.

On August 28, 1898, Bradham renamed his creation "Pepsi-Cola," believing it to be a "healthy" beverage that aided digestion. The name was inspired by "dyspepsia," meaning indigestion.

As the drink's popularity soared, Bradham formed the Pepsi-Cola Company in late 1902 and became its first president. Pepsi-Cola became a registered trademark on June 16, 1903, and by 1904, the company was selling nearly 20,000 gallons of syrup. Pepsi-Cola's reach expanded rapidly, and by 1910, there were 240 franchises across 24 states.

However, World War I brought hard times for Bradham and Pepsi-Cola. Sugar, a key ingredient, was heavily rationed, leading to production shortfalls. Post-war, sugar prices skyrocketed, and Bradham's decision to purchase large quantities at high prices contributed to the company's downfall.

On May 31, 1923, Pepsi-Cola declared bankruptcy, and its assets were sold to Craven Holding Corporation for $30,000.

Caleb Bradham's story is a testament to both innovation and the challenges of entrepreneurship in unpredictable times.