The Boyds

The Family in Family Run

Nick grew up in Philadelphia, Charity grew up in Detroit, they met in Texas, found a home in Indiana, and the rest is history.

On January 14, 1986 Nick and Charity were at the South Side Soda Shop for it's Grand ReOpening. Charity's father, Dave Pottinger, and his partners, Faye Peterson and Don Walters, had carefully restored the building and crafted a menu with some of their favorites and had called in Nick & Charity to help. Shortly thereafter Nick & Charity purchased the South Side Soda Shop and took it on as their own. 

Nick was quick to introduce the Philadelphia Cheesesteak to the menu and Charity added family favorites like the New England Cheeseburger and Liverwurst and Bacon. Over the years Nick & Charity's upbringings have continued to influence the menu. 

As the Soda Shop grew & evolved so did the Boyd family. Nick & Charity's oldest daughter, Nicole, was six months old when the Soda Shop reopened and often snoozed in the basement as her parents prepared food. Four years later the Boyds welcomed a second daughter, Hannah. Hannah holds the privilege of being the youngest baby to come to work, at just 3 weeks old.

Both girls continue to work at the Soda Shop, Nicole as a baker and daytime server, and Hannah, who is a full time teacher, on the weekends and in summer.

In 2010 Nicole married Justin, and while he is busy running a separate business it isn't uncommon to catch him at the counter for lunch. Nicole & Justin welcomed their sons in 2012, 2015, and 2018. In the early days customers often saw Nicole or Charity wearing the boys while running the floor. Now, they often stop by after school to get a snack & see their grandparents. You might notice their namesake sandwiches on the special board, Nick & Charity love being grandparents! The Boyd’s welcomed Hannah’s husband, Josh, to the family in 2022. Josh spent several years working at the Soda Shop and both the Boyds & our customers miss seeing him daily but he still stops by for his favorite Philly Cheesesteak regularly!

It really is a family affair!