Some of Dallas’ longest-standing institutions are having difficulty navigating the city’s real estate boon in recent years, and 106-year-old Highland Park Soda Fountain is the latest to succumb to the changing landscape.
The beloved century-old soda fountain on Knox Street will close on September 9 to make way for construction of a 12-story mixed use building on its block, the Dallas Morning News reports. The newspaper previously reported that “the family that owns Weir’s Furniture has partnered with real estate firm Four Rivers Capital to redevelop the southeast corner of Knox and Travis.”
While preliminary renderings of the forthcoming development show Highland Park Soda Fountain’s corner building intact, it’s unclear whether the soda fountain will reopen after being forced to shutter to accommodate the construction surrounding its building. Owners Sonny Williams and Gretchen Minyard Williams told the News they are “undecided” on whether to reopen and that a closing date a month out should give the multiple generations of loyal patrons plenty of time to come in for one last grilled cheese sandwich or milkshake.
After announcing the closure on Friday, the soda fountain was slammed with business including a line out the door during the Monday lunch rush according to a soda fountain staffer. “We never have a 20-minute wait,” he told Eater.
The Facebook post announcing its closure garnered dozens of comments from people sharing their memories of first dates, quality time with family, and high school hangouts at the soda fountain. Commenters chimed in, “I am heartbroken,” and “This is a sad day indeed.” Highland Park Soda Fountain has regularly landed on Eater’s maps of iconic dishes, essential Park Cities bars and restaurants, best grilled cheese and milkshakes, and classic restaurants in this city.
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Posted by Highland Park Soda Fountain on Saturday, August 11, 2018
- After 106 years, Highland Park Soda Fountain is closing [Dallas Morning News]