Tipp couple opens Vintage Soda Shop
The beauty of small-town Ohio is in its collection of unique family-owned businesses. Miami County's newest addition to this community is Downtown Fizz.
Kristen and Ben Weber have lived in Tipp City for a year and a half and have been building their idea for a distinctive downtown dirty soda experience since November. In contrast to the common overstimulating, TikTok-fueled decor that is unfortunately expected of a dirty soda shop, the Tipp City couple is opening a store built on a distinct, vintage, nostalgic vibe at 16 South Market Street in Troy.
The 1950’s “Soda Jerk” will be revived at Downtown Fizz. The idea is simple: a place where anyone can gather to grab a sweet treat and spend time with friends. The Webers want to cater to all generations. From those who are excited to relive the sock hop era of fountain drinks, to Gen Z and Millennials, who are tired of having to commit to a bar for an afternoon with friends.
The store will feature tables, chairs, and couches where students can study, chat, and enjoy each other’s company after school. They’ll also feature products from other small businesses, such as pastries, cookies, and other items.
Although the couple will open their store on the Square in Troy, they’re proud members of the Tipp City community. The Weber couple are parents of a blended family with five children, ranging from teenagers to preschoolers. The children are beginning their journey at Tipp City Schools after the summer, and they will all take part in making Downtown Fizz the best experience possible.
When Kristen made the choice to become a stay-at-home mom, she knew that she had entrepreneurial dreams. She wanted to be her own boss, while connecting with her community, and setting a responsible example for her children. After months of research, mixing flavors and toying with sodas and syrups, Kristen decided it was time to take her interests to the next level.
Kristen and her husband Ben bought Downtown Fizz with the dream of reviving the mom-and-pop experience that small-town Ohio citizens love but seldom get to enjoy. Their oldest son will be able to use the soda shop as an opportunity to experience working his first job while entering high school. The younger four siblings will learn the importance of hard work and entrepreneurship, and how to build a business from the ground up.
Downtown Fizz’s brick-and-mortar location is a contrast to coffee and soda shops that usually begin as carts and stands. Instead, the family has gone all in on creating a sturdy home for employees and for people who long to become regulars and call a business their home away from home.
While coffee shops are a popular place for first dates, interviews, and catching up with old friends, many are stuck ordering a bland tea or a can of Coke or Pepsi. Kristen and Ben are changing the social setting game by creating a place for those who like a little more fun with their drinks, without having to work around their aversion to coffee.
Despite their vintage aesthetic, the Downtown Fizz menu will also feature dirty energy drinks, like Alani, for a quick pick-me-up before work, the gym, or anywhere else a customer might need a little bit of liquid endurance.
The Webers are excited to create a long-lasting environment in Troy that will leave customers saying, “I remember when Downtown Fizz started,” years from now. Their refreshing mom-and-pop plan is an exciting step in the collection of Miami County small businesses.
Kristen and Ben plan to open their location sometime in July and have already added a few friendly faces to their team. The Webers are continuing to grow their Downtown Fizz family and are open to collaborating with other small businesses, artists, and entrepreneurs who have dreams like theirs.
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