You’ve probably heard about the incredible pop-up Pepsi diner experience happening in SoHo. But did you know that The Pepsi 125 Diner is just one of the many ways Pepsi is celebrating its 125th birthday this year? To commemorate this milestone, we thought we’d take a journey into the past and check out a few of the most groundbreaking moments in Pepsi history.
1. Born in 1898
It’s an origin story that sparked a legacy! In 1898, North Carolina pharmacy owner, Caleb Bradham, noticed the signature soda he had originally created as a digestive aid was becoming wildly popular. He changed the name of his creation from Brad’s Drink to Pepsi-Cola. 125 years later, Pepsi is one of the most well-known brands in the world.
2. From horses to horsepower
Back in the day, when horses were the main mode of transportation life was simpler…although admittedly, less efficient. But innovation has always been at the heart of Pepsi, which is why it’s unsurprising the brand was one of the first to swap horse and buggy carts for big trucks. This meant speedier soda deliveries up and down the country!
3. The Pepsi Challenge
Ask people what their favorite cola is and you might get mixed answers, but the blind taste test never lies! As part of a nationwide promotion in 1975, supermarket shoppers were asked to do a blind tasting of the two leading colas and pick the tastiest. Pepsi continuously came out on top. Intrigued? Guests of The Pepsi 125 Diner can take the Pepsi challenge for themselves during their visit!
4. Food tastes better with Pepsi
There’s nothing like the refreshing taste of Pepsi to elevate any meal, a fact that the brand has highlighted in its Better With Pepsi campaigns in recent years. Pepsi has even experimented with delicious combinations like Pepsi Colachup (Pepsi-infused Ketchup), Pepsi-Roni Pizza (Pepsi-infused pepperoni pizza), and Pilk (the viral Pepsi and milk sensation). Need further proof that every bite is #BetterWithPepsi? The carefully crafted menu with Pepsi-infused ingredients at The Pepsi 125 Diner will do just that.
5. Living those electric dreams
Pepsi led the charge from horse-drawn carts to big trucks, but that’s not where the transportation story ends. As part of an ongoing commitment to reduce emissions, PepsiCo joined forces with Tesla Inc. to enlist a fleet of Tesla electric semis to distribute Pepsi to retailers across the nation.
6. Pepsi and SodaStream champion sustainability
The efforts to make sustainable changes didn’t stop with the electric fleet! Pepsi decided to partner with SodaStream to create drink mixes that you can enjoy at home while reducing your single-use plastic waste.
7. Pepsi celebrates 125 with a new look
To celebrate the big 125 in style, Pepsi changed its logo and visual identity for the first time in 14 years! The revamp sees a logo change, with the return of the electric blue acting as a nod to the past while the vibrant, contrasting black looks to the future. Pepsi might look different when you see it in stores, but don’t worry, the delicious taste remains the same!
8. The Pepsi 125 Diner is announced in NYC
The Pepsi 125 Diner might be considered a kind of birthday celebration for Pepsi, but it’s also an unmissable immersive dining experience. Guests of this pop-up event in SoHo will enjoy retro flavors, incredible exhibits, a Pepsi-inspired food menu, and, of course, unlimited soft drinks!