In honor of Pepsi’s 125th anniversary this year, the legendary soft drink, which has become one of the world’s most recognizable brands, is hosting a highly entertaining dining experience called the Pepsi 125 Diner. This pop-up allows guests to immerse themselves in Pepsi’s past, present, and future, and of course, enjoy refreshing Pepsi drinks!
Located in New York City’s SoHo neighborhood at 477 Broadway, the Pepsi 125 Diner is a unique pop-up restaurant that offers a delicious 3-course, Pepsi inspired meal, classic Pepsi drinks (Crystal Pepsi!) and exciting Instagram moments where guests can snap pictures on Pepsi-themed sets that have been recreated from some of their most memorable commercials. Tickets for the Pepsi 125 Diner are nearly sold out, so book your tickets as soon as possible at feverup.com.
The Knockturnal was invited to experience the Pepsi 125 Diner on October 20 and it was truly a one-of-a-kind event that is worth visiting. Trust us, you’ll have fun and you will be full from tasting all the yummy food and drinks.
Once you enter the doors of the Pepsi 125 Diner, the interactive fun begins with the Pepsi Challenge taste test. In 1975, Pepsi launched a nationwide promotion where supermarket shoppers were asked to take a blind taste between Pepsi and Coke and to pick their favorite. Pepsi consistently was the one that shoppers preferred. Guests at the Pepsi 125 Diner, will have the opportunity to participate in the amusing taste test.
After taking the Pepsi challenge, guests will make their way through the stunning archway into The Pepsi Museum. Set up like a diner, fans can explore a gallery of rare Pepsi bottles and memorabilia, along with set recreations inspired by Pepsi commercials. For example, the iconic 1992 Pepsi commercial featuring Cindy Crawford, in which she is seen popping open a can of Pepsi by her red Lamborghini at the Halfway House gas station, as two awestruck young boys looked on, has been rebuilt just for the Pepsi 125. Guests can take photos and channel their inner supermodel like Crawford. Guests can also try on a gladiator helmet and hold a spear like Beyoncé, who starred in a Pepsi commercial with Enrique Iglesias, Britney Spears and Pink in 2003.
Once you’ve finished snapping picks, the Innovation Corner is where guests can taste limited edition Pepsi flavors that are no longer available in stores, including Crystal Pepsi and Pepsi Blue, and see the brand campaigns behind each drink.
Next, it’s time to eat the unique 3-course, Pepsi-curated meal and take a seat in the colorful Pepsi dining room with Pepsi themed booths. Kyle Shadix and Gibran Salazar, who are both Pepsico’s Corporate Executive Research Chefs, have concocted a highly sweet and indulgent menu by infusing Pepsi into diner food classics as an ingredient—and not just as a beverage.
During the start of our meal, we were welcomed by Todd Kaplan, the CMO of Brand Pepsi. Then it was time for the first course, which guests can choose one of three appetizers: the Pepsi Coliseum Chopped Salad that is served with a side of Pepsi-infused balsamic vinaigrette; the Buffalo Pepsi Wings tossed in a Pepsi-steeped buffalo sauce with a side of blue cheese and celery sticks; and Caleb’s New Bern Mac & Cheese topped with BBQ Pepsi-infused pulled pork. This dish is named in honor of Pepsi founder Caleb Bradham from New Bern, North Carolina.
For the main entrée, guests can choose one of three delectable meals: “Shaq’s Big Slam Reuben Sandwich” with Pepsi-infused pastrami; the “Better with Pepsi Burger” topped with Pepsi candied bacon, Pepsi-infused aioli, a side of tater tots and a pickle; and the “More than OK Chicken & Waffles” plate that is topped with Pepsi-infused butter and drizzled with Pepsi-infused maple syrup. There’s even Colachup, which is Pepsi-infused ketchup for your tater tots!
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 20: View of Pepsi products on October 20, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images)
To complete the meal, rare desserts are offered such as the “Pilk Float,” which is the sweet combination Pepsi and milk, and served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Also available is “The Joy of Pepsi Wild Cherry Cheesecake,” which is a New York style cheesecake drizzled with Pepsi Wild Cherry glaze.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 20: View of Pepsi products on October 20, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images)
For drinks, bottomless tasty flavors such as Pepsi Maple Syrup, Crystal Pepsi, Pepsi Blue, Pepsi Mango, and Pepsi Cream Soda are being offered at the Pepsi 125 Diner. You can purchase Pepsi cocktails and mocktails from the Pepsi bar. The Pepsi Wild Cherry Fizz is a refreshing and sparkling delight. Cocktails are $18 and mocktails cost $9.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 20: View of Pepsi products on October 20, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images)
Don’t miss out on this incredible experience. You’ll have a wonderful time immersing yourself in Pepsi history and seeing the Pepsi memorabilia and reliving the Pepsi pop culture moments.
