As one might surmise from the name, Pop the Soda Shop in Westover is an establishment that provides specialty fountain drinks — and doesn’t take an official position on the “is it pop, or is it soda?” argument.
Patrons can choose from a menu of carbonated concoctions like “The Barbie,” which involves Sprite, raspberry flavoring, whipped cream and sprinkles. Alternatively, the more adventurous are welcome to try mixing custom masterpieces by adding their choice of syrups, purees and various toppings to a base of soda or energy drink. The possible combinations are endless.
Much like an old-fashioned soda fountain, this shop doesn’t limit itself only to pop. Artful milkshakes, hand-dipped ice cream, floats and candy crowd the menu. Recently, the shop expanded its offerings to include sweet and savory baked goods.
The shop is open daily, from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Patrons can also visit the drive-through, place orders online for streamlined pickup, and order from a platter menu for large events.
There’s a lot of holiday spirit for sale on the seasonal menu. Hot cocoa overachieves with white chocolate raspberry, Nutella and peppermint flavors, and patrons can add two scoops of ice cream to make “Melting a Snowman” hot chocolate. Nothing evokes holiday nostalgia quite as much as the milkshake made with the classic Little Debbie Christmas Tree snack cakes.
To make sure their seasonal offerings are truly over-the-top, Santa and Mrs. Claus will pop by the shop at from 6:30 p.m. until close on Dec. 16, for photos and snacks with visiting children.
EVA MURPHY is a freelance business writer for The Dominion Post. She writes a column on businesses, churches and other entities in the city.