SPRINGFIELD, MO, APRIL 15, 2026 – Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company is launching limited-time Dr Pepper Route 66 packaging and a consumer experience to mark the National Route 66 Centennial Kickoff Celebration in Springfield, Missouri, from April 30 to May 3. The campaign will continue throughout the summer of 2026, inviting customers to participate beyond the kickoff weekend.
The company, along with Dr Pepper and Corwin Ford of Springfield, partnered to celebrate hometown pride, the history and birthplace of the iconic road in Springfield, and the spirit of 100 years of iconic journeys and memories along The Mother Road.
“We have been so excited to work with Dr Pepper to launch a bold, destination‑style summer campaign. We are celebrating two historic milestones: America250 and the Route 66 Centennial,” said Candice Chang, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper. “The campaign is rooted in local pride and national significance. It brings adventure, nostalgia, and innovation to Dr Pepper lovers throughout the Ozarks and at Route 66 stops this summer. We’re thrilled to share this news, kick off the campaign this month, and celebrate Route 66 all summer long.”
Available in 20-ounce bottles and 12-ounce cans of Dr Pepper, Diet Dr Pepper, Dr Pepper Zero Sugar, and Dr Pepper Creamy Coconut, the packaging celebrates America’s 250th on Route 66. The special edition includes a QR code that scans to a consumer augmented reality adventure along Route 66, as well as the chance to win a Ford Bronco from Corwin Ford of Springfield.
“By pairing a brand celebrated for its one‑of‑a‑kind flavor with the story of Route 66, we’re creating something truly special for the community and the Ozarks,” said Chang. “This innovative campaign is the result of a unique collaboration between our company and Dr Pepper, and we’re proud to see other Dr Pepper markets along Route 66 offering the product—and sharing our excitement. We invite Dr Pepper fans to ride along with us and discover an Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper one-of-a-kind celebration on Route 66.”
Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company
Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company is a fourth-generation, family-owned bottler that has been operating in Missouri for over 100 years. Founded by the Rice family in 1920, Coca-Cola and Dr Pepper products are manufactured in Springfield, with sales and distribution branches in Springfield, Bolivar, Joplin, Rolla, West Plains, and Northwest Arkansas. The company distributes over 650 Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper products across Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and Oklahoma, and employs more than 900 associates.
