Built in the early 1900s the building was initially opened as a grocery store in 1910. In the 1940s the original Bastian Blessings soda fountain was installed where it still remains, serving sodas, shakes, malts, and floats. The installation of the soda fountain initiated the transformation from grocery store, bus stop and post office to a soda shop.

In 1985 restoration began and the South Side Soda Shop was re-opened in January of 1986. Eight years later the dining car was added to the existing building to provide additional seating as well as another look at fifties-style dining. The South Side Soda Shop continues the tradition of a fifties diner, offering home cooked recipes with a friendly face.

Since re-opening in 1986 Nick and Charity Boyd have been running the South Side Soda Shop along with their family. The Boyds have created a legacy; the South Side Soda Shop’s chili has been voted Michiana’s best chili seven times; the Lemon Meringue pie won the Indiana Pie Quest Contest; the South Side Soda Shop has been featured in Gourmet Magazine and numerous regional publications, as well as the film, Lonesome Jim, directed by film star Steve Buscemi.

The Soda Shop was featured in the premiere season of Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives with host Guy Fieri. In our episode “Retro” Fieri highlights our Philly Cheesesteak, Chili, fresh seafood, and some of our dessert items. Watch our episode on Max, Season 1, episode 8.

In 2024 the Soda Shop was once again visited by Food Network, this time to be featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives: Triple D Nation. Premiering March 28, 2025, “All-American Eats” features our Snapping Turtle Soup and Fresh Peach Pie.

Photos from Boyd Family archive