History of the Slidell Soda Shop
“We Serve Memories.”
– Frank Jackson
In 1908, a clothing and hat retail store occupied this location. In 1916, that structure burned down. The Giordano family later purchased the property, and after reconstruction and repairs, the Giordano & Buckley Shoes store opened—remaining here from 1930 until 1984.
In 1988, Frank and Carla Jackson acquired the building and remodeled it into a 1960s-style ice cream parlor. Soda fountains originated in drugstores in the late 1800s: druggists—sometimes called chemists—mixed their own tonics, syrups, and sodas to serve customers. Over time, soda shops became popular social gathering places in many communities.
The Old Town Soda Shop faithfully replicates the interior décor and equipment of a 1960s parlor and serves handcrafted ice cream. Along the walls, you’ll find a vast collection of vintage ice cream scoops—many donated by patrons—demonstrating the community’s support for this nostalgic business.
The building’s exterior has changed little since its days as Giordano & Buckley Shoes. The Soda Shop remained largely the same until Hurricane Katrina flooded the interior in 2005, destroying its specialized equipment. It seemed the business would never reopen—until, in 2011, local businessman Morris Hawkins proposed its rehabilitation at a city planning meeting. Encouraged by the Slidell City Council, Hawkins and Jackson partnered to source authentic 1960s equipment; the Slidell Equipment Company tracked down era-appropriate appliances. The Old Town Soda Shop reopened in 2012, once again serving Slidell as a beloved social hub.
Over the years, Frank Jackson has mentored entrepreneurs opening similar nostalgic ice cream shops, sharing the perks and pitfalls of the business and helping foster appreciation for days gone by. Today’s owners continue his legacy.
ABOUT THE SLIDELL HISTORY STROLL PROJECT:
The Slidell History Scroll is the Girl Scout Gold Award community service project of Sue Helen Ford. The project was inspired when her family participated in a walking history tour in Savannah, Georgia. Sue Helen is grateful for the support of her Girl Scout community, family, and friends, whose encouragement and hard work have brought this vision to life. Special thanks go to her 7th and 8th grade history teachers at Slidell Jr. High – Mr. Treadwell and Mrs. Caldwell – for igniting her passion for history.The narratives featured throughout the Slidell History Stroll were researched and written by Greg Scott, Curator of the Slidell Museum.
