PEPSI’S BEGINNINGS
PEPSI’S BEGINNINGS
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Caleb Bradham (circled) was too focused on serving his customers Pepsi-Cola to pose for this picture.
Caleb Bradham knew that to keep peoplereturning to his pharmacy,he would haveto turn it into a gathering place.Like manypharmacists at the turn of the century,hehad a soda fountain in his drugstore,where he served his customers refreshingdrinks that he created himself.His mostpopular creation was a unique mixture ofcarbonated water,kola nuts,vanilla andrare oils,named “Brad’s Drink”by hiscustomers.Caleb decided to rename it“Pepsi-Cola,”and advertised his new softdrink to enthusiastic customers.Sales ofPepsi-Cola started to grow,convincinghim to form a company and market thenew beverage.In 1902,he launched thePepsi-Cola Company in the back room ofhis pharmacy,and applied to the U.S.Patent Office for a trademark.An officialpatent was awarded on June 16,1903. At first,he mixed the syrup himself andsold it exclusively through soda fountains.But soon Caleb recognized that a greateropportunity existed—to bottle Pepsi-Colaso thatpeople everywhere could enjoy it.
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