Pepsi to open cola-based cocktail bar

PepsiCo has announced plans for an experimental bar and restaurant named Kola House that will serve drinks based entirely around its cola brands.

Artist impression of Kola House in Sutton

Kola House will open in spring 2016 in New York’s meatpacking district and has been billed as the “first of its kind” for the hospitality industry, with the group partnering with Lisle Richards and Eric Marx, of hospitality group The Metric, to launch its flagship venue.

“We wanted to create a modern hub for consumers to share social and immersive experiences that were anchored in the exploration of our cola’s artisanal craft and flavor,” said Seth Kaufman, chief marketing officer, PepsiCo North America Beverages. “The Kola House represents a new space for us to support our consumer-first approach to drive authenticity and innovation around our beverage offerings and ideals.”

Cocktails will be curated by Alex Ott, NYC bartender and mixologist, while a “full artisanal menu” inspired by the company’s many food and drink brands.

The flagship location will also serve as venue showcasing music, art, film, sports and more with Pepsi leveraging its partnership with Live Nation to build a special music series, Live at the Kola House. Kola House pop-ups will also take place at a number of key events, including the Super Bowl in San Francisco at Pier 70 – a collaboration between Pepsi and Direct TV.

PepsiCo’s portfolio of food and beverage brands includes Frito-Lay, Gatorade, Quaker, Tropicana, Mountain Dew and, of course, Pepsi.