In the 1950s, every Southern town had three key fixtures: a school, a church and a soda fountain.
For generations, McDonald's Drug Store on Ninth Street kept that piece of culture alive by serving handmade sodas until its closing in 2002.
The recently opened Ox & Rabbit Soda and Sundries revives the old lot and allows students and residents to revisit the past once more.
"Neither [co-owner] Erin [Walker McMullen] nor I are pharmacists," owner Brian Nickell said. "But we wanted to connect the modern with the past so we decided to do retail."
Fully equipped with a 1948 soda fountain, this charming shop serves as a time portal for visitors while incorporating modern elements.
Customers are greeted by theowners and a menu of assorted sodas, floats and milkshakes. The shop offers drinks ranging from classic vanilla coke, root-beer floats and chocolate milkshakes to make-your-own flavors like raspberry lime.
The raspberry lime was delicious and satisfying. The vanilla coke and smooth strawberry milkshake was likewise spot-on. The shop also features odds and ends for sale. From trinkets to thrift clothes, there's a little something for everyone.
An especially nice touch contributing to both the character and profitability of Ox & Rabbit is the artwork adorning the walls. The pieces, many of which are contemporary portrayals of animals, were submitted by local artists. The owners hope to become a popular venue for up-and-coming artists.
For Nickell, a Durham native, the store is especially poignant.
"I remember coming [to McDonald's] as a kid," he said. "People come in here and tell me about when they came here [as] kids. I think that kind of connection is really important for the community."
The one downfall of the shop is its lack of food items. A sandwich would have sat wuite nicely with the vanilla coke.
Overall, Ox & Rabbit is a sweet treat for those who appreciate old relics and a good soda.
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