It was so hard for Pepsi to get into fast food restaurants that they had to buy several chains [0].

0 - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yum!_Brands

There is definitely a market for craft soda, it’s just hard to get the same or even a small percentage of the distribution. The 2 cola companies have done a great job of pushing other competition out.

I wish this wasn't the case. I am not a big soda drinker, but I had a place near me that carried a variety of different colas and they were very unique an many were delicious.

Sodas are staples, beers are a treat. Consistency vs novelty.

I completely get it on some level - I feel exactly the same way as the market does, but I can’t really put my finger on “why”.

I wonder if it is more of an issue with how dominant the two brands are? There are a lot of exclusivity deals with restaurants.

I don’t think so, there are no barriers to entry for colas. People just aren’t interested in more options.

This depends on the consumer. Notwithstanding that both should be "a treat".