• by Erik Oster , August 24, 2023

Pepsi is going big for its 125^th year anniversary.

Next week, the brand is kicking off an extended celebration to mark the occasion, with 125 days of anniversary programming running through New Year’s Eve. It all begins on Aug. 28, to commemorate the day in 1898 when pharmacist Caleb Bradham renamed the digestif he created -- which had been known as “Brad’s Drink” -- to the more marketable Pepsi-Cola. The rebranding  led to its growth into one of the most recognizable brands in the U.S., if not the world.

To mark the occasion, the brand is offering a free Pepsi to U.S. consumers across the U.S. who text “PEPSI125” to 81234.

The anniversary campaign marks the end of one era and the beginning of another, as Pepsi’s new logo begins rolling out in stores.

While the brand plans “consumer giveaways, activations and future surprises to engage and excite consumers nationwide,” its first official activation is the 125 Pepsi Diner, an immersive experience that will welcome guests from Oct. 19-Oct. 25 in a so-far-undisclosed location in Midtown New York.  Its design pays homage to recognizable Pepsi commercials such as  “Is Pepsi OK,” “and The Pepsi Girl,” and features Pepsi memorabilia from throughout the years, as well as nodding to its new branding.

The menu will feature foods playing off the “goes better with Pepsi” messaging, and original creations like Pepsi-Colachup (the brand’s first condiment), as well as limited Pepsi offerings like Crystal Pepsi and Pepsi-Cola Soda Shop. Fans can sign up for pre-sale tickets, and those outside New York can enter for a chance to win a trip to the city for the diner experience.

“As we celebrate the brand’s historic milestone over the next 125 days, we will honor some of our most cherished cultural moments as we look ahead towards our next chapter with the rollout of the new Pepsi logo and visual identity,” Pepsi CMO Todd Kaplan said in a statement.

Pepsi is also launching a commercial campaign to mark the occasion and showcase its new label design.