In-laws are now in business together

The Old Time Soda Pop Shop at 200 W. Main St. in downtown Ardmore has new owners.
Ashley Huff and her mother-in-law, Dana Vineyard, both of Ardmore, took possession of the business on May 1.
“It’s been a lifelong dream of mine and Ashley’s to own our own business and be our own bosses,” Vineyard said. “This came up and we had to have it.”
Vineyard said the previous owners, Everett and LaDonna Aycox, wanted to travel so they decided to sell the shop. Vineyard said the couple did a great job building the business up. The new owners began ringing up sales on day one.
Huff said the previous owners helped train them and LaDonna Aycox is still coming in to help out in the evenings and on Saturdays.
The decor, menu, food preparation and hours are still the same. Signs and soda pop memorabilia adorn the walls. Salads, sandwiches, hot dogs, baked potatoes, milk shakes and sundaes are just a few of the items on the menu. Huff’s homemade cheesecake will be added soon.
“It’s laid back,” Huff said. “We all get along really well. I’ve got my mother-in-law and one of my best friends working up here. It’s just more like a family atmosphere. There’s no one to answer to. We know what to do and we just all work really good together.”
The Old Time Soda Pop Shop has about six or seven part-time employees besides the two owners working.
Vineyard said the fun thing about the business for her is visiting with the customers.
“I love people and going around talking to the customers,” she said. “Of course, being my own boss is the best thing. Watching the families and the kids come in and play the jukebox, it’s just all-around fun around here.”
Huff said The Old Time Soda Pop Shop is a family-oriented restaurant.
“We see a lot of kids and families come in here for ice cream or sandwiches and it’s a lot of fun,” she said. “The kids can get up and play, and everybody enjoys looking at all the signs and playing the jukebox.”
Sheila J. Robinson, 221-6536
sheila.robinson@ardmoreite.com