‘We are more than just grilled cheese’

Walking down Main Street USA, the soda fountain of yesteryear was the cornerstone of activity and a gathering place for memorable celebrations.

The Pop Shop Café & Creamery at 729 Haddon Ave. incorporates memories, powerful nostalgia while making new, lasting memories.

Jerry Goksun and Jennifer Vincent, a dynamic husband-and-wife team, took over ownership at the end of 2023, and the number of regular diners and partygoers continues to climb.

The restaurant has been a mainstay in Collingswood for some 20 years, and the shop’s family and customers love how it continues to evolve.

“We wanted to keep the nostalgic aspect of it going strong with a high-quality retro-style ice cream and food shop,” Vincent explains.

“We were previously known as a kids’ place or a grilled cheese place, and we still have grilled cheese, but we have upgraded the menu to include burgers, Panini sandwiches, and crab cakes, as well as all-day breakfast, lunch, and dinner specials that both children and adults enjoy,” she said. “We also host frequent kids and adult parties that our community continues to look forward to.”

The owners’ favorite menu items are the “scrumptious” homemade chicken parmigiana (with homemade marinara sauce) over linguini, “delicious” burgers, crab cakes, grilled salmon, mac and cheese, and the open-faced roasted turkey platter.

There are two private party rooms, (one that hosts 95 guests and the other that hosts 65 guests). The Main Dining Room décor includes 1950s-style leather booths, 1960s-inspired faux wood and metal tables, metal “submarine” chairs, and a 1940s soda fountain. The soda fountain and hostess counter were reclaimed from a condemned 1940s diner counter in Ottoville, Ohio.

One aspect of The Pop Shop that everyone enjoys is the ice cream and the soda fountain, which sees increased traffic in the summer but is popular all year round. They brought back the “make your own soda pop” with fun flavors and the flavor of the month. Among the favorites are brownie bite and birthday sundaes; a host of shakes – black and white, Coconut Kona, chocolate, Dreamsicle, and Oreo Cookie; various kids shakes; a variety of floats including Cherry Coke and a Smile floats, and many more.

In addition to birthday parties, there are bridal and baby showers, anniversary bashes, and celebrations for other rites of passage.

“We have decorating packages available that include table linens, cloth napkins, centerpieces, and more so all the host has to do is walk in the door and enjoy their party,” she said.

Some of the special events that local residents look forward to are the Valentine’s Day parties, Mickey’s Carnival Party, Captain America & Iron Man at The Pop Shop, Brunch with the Easter Bunny, Mother’s Day Brunch, and a lot more!

Goksun, who has been in the hospitality business for 25 years including bars and restaurants, says that while it takes hard work and long hours, he never looks at his watch to clock the time.

“I love the characters and entertaining people,” he said. “I wish the day was 30 hours long so we could grow the business more.”

Among the many Pop Shop aspects, Vincent appreciates the parties they host.

“I love the decorating and people coming to celebrate,” she said. “We have the kids dancing to this old-time music, and their grandparents are singing, it’s an extremely happy place. All of the things we are bringing to this and the community is coming to enjoy it.”

The Pop Shop’s award-winning current menu offers a quirky collection of modern American comfort foods and blue-plate specials.

For the all-day breakfasts, diners can pick a variety of fluffy Betty’s (what they call their pancakes) with cannoli topping, bananas foster, cookie dough pieces or other toppings, French toast (classic, Cinnamon bun, and S’mores) egg sandwiches, breakfast sliders, the biscuit scramble, and omelets.

In addition to the “delicious” burgers, other sandwiches, and soups, the menu features appetizers, fresh and creative salads, ice cream treats, real milkshakes, as well as specialty fountain beverages. There are Gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan choices, too!

“We want people to know we are more than just grilled cheese,” the owners said, adding The Pop Shop is always evolving.

“We enjoy doing renovations,” Vincent said. “We renovated the back party room to a more neutral pallet so every type of party theme can be created there and we have plans for the front room.

“We love to incorporate vendors, artisans, and other treats for families to come together and enjoy! We offer different menu specials every month, but we are working on a new menu that we really think people will enjoy.”

Goksun said that there is so much for all generations to enjoy and tempt their senses.

“When I look around our dining room, everyone is off their phones and riveted to the soda jerk section, soaking up the atmosphere, and watching an ice cream soda or milkshake being made,” he said.

Vincent adds that among the toppings, and colorful aspects of The Pop Shop are special touches like crayons, kids’ menus, and jerk hats. They also have books for all ages and the majority of the younger diners are picking up and exploring the kids’ books.

The hard-working couple have three sons, ages 28, 18, and 13, and all three are involved in the business.

“Our older son is working on the party food and catering orders, our middle son is a soda jerk and is learning about how the kitchen is run, and our 13-year-old loves the candy, and he will be ready for a job [soon],” they said

The Pop Shop also evokes happy memories of their family going out for ice cream when their children were younger.

“We are keeping that nostalgic vibe alive and keeping it authentic,” Vincent said. “It’s a little bit modern with the food and we wanted to bring back the soda jerk style and work hard on our staff training. When it is time to sing ‘Happy Birthday,’ the whole restaurant is singing.”

When they hear from happy customers after their bridal shower, anniversary, or other celebration there is no better feeling, the couple said.

“After each party, we reach out to the host, and we always get great feedback,” Vincent said. “This is something special – a first birthday, the birth of a child, or a 25^th anniversary – and they are making precious memories with us.

“When they tell me what a great time everyone had it is heartwarming,” she added. “It’s someone’s special day and we are honored that they chose to celebrate with us at The Pop Shop!”