Caleb poured a sample of his mixture into a beaker and gave it to his assistant to taste it. When he saw his assistant’s face light up upon tasting it, Caleb knew he had created a winner.
His creation became so popular his customers named it "Brad's Drink." Caleb decided to rename it "Pepsi-Cola," after its two main ingredients pepsin and the cola nut and advertised his new soft drink.
People responded, and sales of Pepsi-Cola started to grow, convincing him that he should form a company to market the new beverage.
Caleb Bradham originally bought the name ‘Pep Cola’ from a bankrupt Newark, NJ, competitor for $100 and renamed the soft drink Pepsi Cola. In 1902, he founded the Pepsi-Cola Company in the back room of his New Bern pharmacy.
At first, he mixed the syrup himself and sold it exclusively through soda fountains. The business began to grow, and on June 16, 1903, "Pepsi-Cola" was officially registered with the U.S. Patent Office. That year, Caleb sold 7,968 gallons of syrup, using the theme line "Exhilarating, Invigorating, Aids Digestion." An artist and neighbor of Caleb designed the first Pepsi advertisement, and he was able to move his business into larger warehouse.
By 1905, demand for Pepsi-Cola had increased so much the Caleb Bradham decided it was time to offer Pepsi-Cola for sale in bottles. To facilitate the sale of Pepsi-Cola in bottles, Bradham issued the first of many franchise agreements.
In just six years, Pepsi was franchised in 24 states.
The invention of Pepsi Cola by Caleb Bradham
