Happy Birthday, Dr Pepper!

This day 125 years ago is the day the United States Patent Office recognizes as the first day Dr Pepper was served here in Waco, Texas at the Old Corner Drugstore. Growing from a small town soft drink, the Dr Pepper made a big splash in 1904 at the World’s Fair in St. Louis, and the opening of the Artesian Manufacturing and Bottling Company allowed Dr Pepper to be shipped all over the country. With the development of iconic marketing campaigns like “Drink a Bit to Eat at 10, 2 and 4” and “I’m a Pepper” with David Naughton, the drink grew to have a steady group of followers around the world known as Peppers!

Today concludes a yearlong celebration of the brand’s flavorful history. Dr Pepper Snapple Group kicked the year off on the symbolic date of January 25 by teaming up with advertising icon David Naughton and legendary rock band KISS to ring the Closing Bell at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). Dr Pepper Snapple Group President and CEO Larry Young and other company executives closed the trading day with the Dow gaining just over 23 points – coincidentally matching the 23 unique flavors of Dr Pepper. Naughton also led a choreographed sing-along of the classic “I’m a Pepper” jingle on the floor of the NYSE.

Continuing the celebration, the brand advertised its Dr Pepper Cherry flavor during Super Bowl XLIV with a new ad spot featuring KISS and tribute band MiniKISS. And, this summer, Dr Pepper released six collectable cans inspired by the brand’s first 125 years, along with a version made with real sugar. The anniversary cans featured legacy artwork and memorable advertising slogans such as “I’m a Pepper” and “10, 2 and 4.” In addition, 12-pack cases highlighted key moments in the brand’s history over the last century.

Today, stop by the Dr Pepper Museum for a look at Dr Pepper’s history as it touched the lives of Waco’s citizens in the early 1900s and how it has become an international favorite today! Plus what birthday celebration would be complete without cake and of course, a Dr Pepper!