Curious Parents Parenting Resources

It's A Blast To Eat In The Past
Publisher’s Note

This particular Friday night, the family was smaller than usual.  Our three teenagers had commitments with their friends which left us with our three younger children – a much smaller group with a very different dynamic.  Unlike the teenagers who have an opinion about everything, the younger kids are always eager and more appreciative of anything we do with them.   Jackie and I discussed dinner ideas with the kids and they were gung ho for a trip to Collingswood and dinner at the Pop Shop. 

Walking into the Pop Shop was like walking back to the 1950s of American Graffiti.  Linoleum floors, tin ceiling tiles, bright colors, mirrors and wooden shelves edged with metal trim all added to the feel.  The wait staff wore bright white aprons and the serving dishes are all real glass and ceramic.  We were not prepared for the vibrant crowd that we encountered when we arrived, but the noisy turmoil just added to the excitement for the kids. 

The five of us sat on stools at the counter and surveyed the place.  Most of the groups were either families with parents and children or groups of tweens and teens.  The families were celebrating birthdays, aided by the singing of the Pop Shop staff, or just enjoying togetherness on a Friday night out.  There was a group of three moms catching up on the weeks events with each other, while their toddlers drew pictures with crayons and paper scattered on the table, chairs and even some on the floor.  The tweens and teens were engaged in animated conversation in the safe environment of a neighborhood hangout.  It’s central location in Collingswood makes it easily accessible by bicycle from neighboring towns or by car for newly minted teen drivers.

What is the formula that makes the Pop Shop successful while there are so many other soda shops that try but can’t quite get it right?  Their location is optimal, located centrally in a densely populated cluster of towns with a lively night life.  The décor authentically recreates the feel of a 50’s Soda Shop without going over the top.  But most of all, it’s the menu that draws the crowds. 

Filling a 4 page broadsheet with what must be over two hundred items, the menu is extensive.  Besides having a huge number of items, the menu also has diversity – six kinds of eggs benedict, 11 kinds of pancakes, 30 kinds of grilled cheese, 7 vegetarian selections and kids’ favorites like fluffernutter, egg in a hole, green eggs and ham and macaroni macaroni.  The French fries are deep fried crispy and brown and served with a pinch of coarse salt and there’s malt vinegar on the side (my personal favorite) to top them off.  The soda and ice cream are delicious and served in tall glass sundae cups or long ceramic banana split dishes.  There is no paper, styrofoam or plastic to be seen.  You can visit the Pop Shop at any time of day or night and find something on the menu to quench your hunger.

After the kids were done gawking at the scenes of the place, Jackie and I had a great conversation with them and headed home.  No doubt this will be one of those experiences that the kids refer to fondly in the future: “Remember when the big kids were out and you and mom took just the little kids to the Pop Shop …”

John Piccone is the Publisher of Curious Parents