Richmond's first dirty soda drive-thru is now open
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Pro tip: watch for the "Do Not Enter" signs. Photo: Sabrina Moreno/Axios
Richmond just got its first dirty soda drive-thru.
Why it matters: Think 7-Brew, but swap the coffee for customized sodas.
Driving the news: Sippa opened last weekend in a former bank building near Regency Mall, bringing Richmond the Utah-born trend of mixing flavored syrups, fruit purees and creamers to your Coke or Dr. Pepper.
- That's the "dirty" part.
- Founders Michelle and David Wride are Salt Lake City transplants, where "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" show made dirty soda surge in popularity, per BizSense.
How it works: Pull into the drive thru and choose from 12 bases that include Mountain Dew, Sprite and root beer.
- Build your own drink with 20-plus syrups, purees and creamers (like peach, vanilla and mango) or get a signature drink. Prices start at $3.
- The 14 signature drinks are organized by the type of soda, and largely have Richmond-inspired names like "River City Rush," "Carytown Crush," and "Shockoe Pop."
- Then pick up the drink at the window.
Fun fact: On opening weekend, Sippa made 4,100 drinks and served 1,600 cars, per its Instagram.
- Top sellers: Dr. Coco (Dr. Pepper, coconut and vanilla creamer), River City Rush (Coke, cherry, vanilla, half-and-half and cherry garnish) and Liquid Sunshine (Fresca, strawberry, pineapple and mango puree).
Sabrina's thought bubble: My friend and I tried the first two, and both transported us back to childhood beach days.
- We officially now understand the hype.
If you go: It's at 1415 Eastridge Road, drive-thru only, and open Monday-Thursday, 7:30am-9pm; and Friday-Saturday, 7:30am-10pm.