Summer is the season of sunshine, cold drinks, and the irresistible smell of food cooking on the grill. For years, Pepsi has made itself an essential part of that experience, creating commercials that celebrate the connection between ice-cold cola and hot-off-the-grill meals. But in 2025 and 2026, they've taken this to a whole new level, assembling a team of culinary celebrities that is as diverse as it is talented.
If you've seen the ads popping up on your screen, you've likely recognized some famous faces and wondered: "Who is the celebrity in the Pepsi Summer BBQ commercial?"
The answer isn't just one name. Pepsi's summer campaign is a multi-faceted celebration of grilling culture, featuring a legendary chef, viral social media sensations, and even a Super Bowl spot. Let's meet the full cast.
The Headliner: Bobby Flay and "Grills Night Out"
The undisputed king of Pepsi's summer grilling campaign is the legendary chef and television personality Bobby Flay. Known for his mastery of the grill, his competitive spirit, and his decades of culinary influence, Flay is the perfect ambassador for a campaign centered on outdoor cooking.
Watch Bobby Flay in the "Grills Night Out" - Prep ad here:
In this commercial, Bobby Flay is in his element. He's at the grill, showcasing his skills with confidence and flair, all set to the backdrop of classic music. The message is clear: when you're grilling with Pepsi, you're not just cooking; you're performing. You're creating a moment.
But Bobby Flay's involvement goes beyond a simple product endorsement. He's the face of Pepsi's "Grills Night Out" platform, a full-blown celebration of grilling culture. This includes recipes, tips, and a whole lifestyle built around the idea that summer evenings are better spent outside, with good food, good company, and a cold Pepsi.
The Fun Side: Bobby Flay and the Grill-Scented Cologne
To truly understand the playful spirit of the campaign, you have to see Bobby Flay's appearance on the TODAY show.
Watch Bobby Flay on TODAY discussing the campaign here:
In this segment, Flay discusses a hilariously brilliant promotional stunt: a limited-edition cologne that smells like a grill. It's a perfect example of Pepsi understanding that summer grilling is about more than just food—it's about an entire sensory experience. The smell of charcoal, the sizzle of the meat, the taste of an ice-cold Pepsi. It's all part of the magic.
The Viral Campaign: "BBQ Crashers"
While Bobby Flay represents the expert, master-level griller, Pepsi also launched a viral campaign in 2025 that focused on the fun and spontaneity of summer barbecues. This campaign, titled "BBQ Crashers," takes a different, more mischievous approach.
Watch the 60-second "BBQ Crashers" version here:
Watch the 30-second "BBQ Crashers" version here:
In these spots, a group of energetic "Pepsi Crashers" infiltrate random backyard barbecues. Their mission? To prove, through a taste test, that the food simply tastes better when paired with an ice-cold Pepsi. The campaign is high-energy, funny, and perfectly designed for the social media age. It's about bringing the Pepsi experience to the people, uninvited but always welcome.
The Digital Stars: "Grilled by Pepsi"
Recognizing that culinary influence has moved from television to TikTok and YouTube, Pepsi also partnered with a new generation of cooking stars. The "Grilled by Pepsi" series features viral food creators who are put to the test.
Jose El Cook
One of the featured stars is Jose El Cook, a social media sensation known for his family recipes and engaging cooking content.
Watch Jose El Cook is "Grilled by Pepsi" here:
This video, which has garnered over 79,000 views, takes Jose out of his comfort zone. He's not just cooking; he's facing a rapid-fire interview, being "grilled" by Pepsi both literally and figuratively. It's a fun, engaging format that connects the brand directly with Jose's loyal fanbase.
Salt Hank
Another major partner in this series is Salt Hank, a creator famous for his over-the-top, flavor-focused food content.
Watch Salt Hank is "Grilled by Pepsi" here:
Salt Hank's content is all about maximum flavor and sensory satisfaction, making him a perfect partner for a brand that promises refreshment. The "Grilled by Pepsi" format allows him to do what he does best while integrating the product in a natural and entertaining way.
The Big Game: Super Bowl LX (2026)
No discussion of Pepsi's 2026 advertising would be complete without mentioning their Super Bowl LX commercial. While not strictly a "summer BBQ" ad, it sets the tone for the year and reinforces the brand's cultural relevance.
Watch the Pepsi Super Bowl LX Commercial "The Choice" here:
This spot, which has already amassed over 2.39 million views, continues Pepsi's tradition of creating must-see Big Game advertising. It builds anticipation for the summer moments to come and reinforces the idea that Pepsi is the choice for celebration.
A Summary of Faces
So, to answer the question "Who is the celebrity in the Pepsi Summer BBQ commercial?" we have a wonderfully diverse lineup:
| Bobby Flay | The headliner, star of "Grills Night Out," the expert griller. |
| Jose El Cook | Viral cooking star, featured in the "Grilled by Pepsi" digital series. |
| Salt Hank | Flavor-focused content creator, also part of "Grilled by Pepsi." |
| The "BBQ Crashers" | An energetic ensemble cast, starring in the viral campaign. |
| Various (Super Bowl) | The stars of the big game ad, "The Choice." |
Why This Cast Works
Pepsi's 2025-2026 summer campaign is a masterclass in multi-channel marketing. They understand that different audiences consume content in different ways, and they've tailored their celebrity partnerships accordingly.
| Traditional TV Viewers | Television, YouTube | Bobby Flay, the trusted expert. |
| Social Media Users | TikTok, YouTube Shorts | Jose El Cook, Salt Hank, the "BBQ Crashers." |
| Super Bowl Audience | Broadcast TV | High-production, star-studded ads. |
| Food Enthusiasts | YouTube, Streaming | In-depth content, recipes, and collaborations. |
By covering all these bases, Pepsi ensures that no matter how you consume media, you'll see their message delivered by a face you recognize and trust.
Conclusion: A Summer of Flavor
The next time you fire up the grill this summer, you'll know the full story behind the faces encouraging you to grab a Pepsi. From the expert guidance of Bobby Flay to the viral energy of the BBQ Crashers and the digital influence of creators like Jose El Cook and Salt Hank, Pepsi has assembled a team that speaks to every kind of griller.
It's a celebration of flavor, of community, and of the simple joy of a cold drink on a hot day. Click the links above to watch the commercials, meet the stars, and get inspired for your own "Grills Night Out."
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