Kola House, Pepsi’s first kola nut-centric eatery, to open in NYC

Starbucks cornered the market in the coffeehouse craze, but can Pepsi do likewise with a pop culture cola-house?

Travelers heading to New York City can get a sampling of what’s billed as a bar and restaurant “honoring the kola nut.” It’s slated to open this spring at 408 W. 15th St. in the city’s Meatpacking District.

The aptly named Kola House will feature drinks by Alex Ott, a.k.a. Dr. Cocktail, and serve artisanal plates also inspired by the kola nut.

By the way, the nuts come from the kola tree (hence the word “cola”) native to Africa. It yields caffeinated fruit, extracts from which are used in Coca-Cola and Pepsi.

The cool factor: Live Nation will plan concerts and events in this intimate setting, and rocker Lenny Kravitz has had a hand in adding glam to the look and feel of the eatery.

Pepsi also is planning pop-up Kola House locations too.

The first one will appear this weekend at Pier 70 in San Francisco as a VIP space for Super Bowl 50 fans. Alas, it’s invitation only -- so you can look only from afar.

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