The Early Days

‘Coca-Cola’ had humble beginnings. Created by pharmacist Dr. John Pemberton in his backyard on May 8, 1886, the concoction of caramel-colored syrup was tested as a soda fountain drink and sold for five cents a glass at the largest drug store in Atlanta, Jacob's Pharmacy. His bookkeeper, Frank Robinson, suggested the name ‘Coca-Cola’ and created the unique cursive logo that has been the trademark ever since.



In 1888, Asa G. Candler, an Atlanta businessman and druggist, purchased the rights to the product and later formed the corporation "The ‘Coca-Cola’ Company." Candler firmly believed in the importance of advertising. He distributed thousands of complimentary tickets for free glasses of ‘Coca-Cola’. He also pushed promoting the beverage on outdoor posters, calendars, soda fountain urns, and even wall murals (a precursor to the nationwide use of billboards in 1925). His philosophy was to stimulate the desire for ‘Coca-Cola’ in as many ways and as much as possible, and then have it readily available everywhere.