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Vincent's Drug Store & Soda Fountain

Rob Young

My great-grandfather owned the only pharmacy in our one-stoplight town, his shop set near the train tracks, not far from his house.

He sold medicine and Orangeades, milkshakes and nabs, often ferrying prescriptions on his motorcycle to sick patients.

I never knew Pop Rives. He and the business were gone before my time, but I imagine or hope that his store resembled the Pitt Street Pharmacy or Vincent's, two celebrators of the soda fountain, the mortar and pestle immortalized.

Freshfields Village is home to Vincent's, bright and airy, and modeled after yesteryear's drugstore. Owners Damien and Debbi Lamendola named the shop for Damien's father, a fine man who enjoyed visiting old-fashioned soda fountains with his son and splurging for a root beer float or sundae. Vincent's holds to the tradition, dishing a bounty of sweet, tasty delights, and searing burgers and hot dogs. Cozy up to a countertop stool or sit table-side, the tile underfoot a checkerboard of turquoise and white.

The burgers ($7) are fresh off the flat top, the big hunks o' beef covered with pot lids to melt the cheese just so. Likewise, Vincent's cooks its hot dogs ($3.75) on the griddle, the plump, quarter-pound Hebrew National franks swaddled in soft buns. Request the chili, made with beans and onions.

A turkey bacon wrap ($6.50), grilled chicken and ($7.50) and grilled cheese sandwiches ($4) round out a limited menu, though Vincent's serves breakfast Monday through Saturday.

Then, from the soda fountain: An impressive selection of desserts and treats, ice cream, shakes and malts, and several sundaes, such as the monster Vacation Sundae ($10.50) with six scoops (choice of four flavors), three toppings, two sauces, whipped cream and cherries.

Sure wish I could have shared that one with Pop.

Address: 110 Planted Row Lane, Johns Island

Phone: 243-0007

Hours: noon-6 p.m. Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Mon.-Sat.; breakfast 8 a.m.-10 a.m. Mon.-Sat.

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