New owners recreate soda shop

Tuesday, 07 February 2012 by Justin Cox

Dale and Ami Kachner recently moved to Belton last fall and purchased Britt Drug store on Main Street; the remodeling efforts include an homage to the old welcome environment of a 1950s soda shop.In the heart of downtown Belton beats an historic feel of yesteryear, rich with culture, like a wise, old soul inviting its visitors in to hear an old story by the fire.

That historic identity and indefinable nostalgic quality that is so associated with the historic downtown is what most attracted new Britt Drug Co. owners Dale and Ami Kachner to the area.

The new owners own character is inspiration for the way their run their store.

The couple recently took over the Britt Drug store in early November of last year and moved to the area from Waxahachie.

Their recent renovation of the store's interior offers that same historic feel with a tribute to days gone by, creating a warm, inviting place to visit and feel at home.

The two were adamant that they wanted to improve the store's interior without betraying the retro-historic feel.

Only a couple months later, the results are plain to see.

"Dale has spent nearly 20 years in the pharmacy industry, and we've wanted our own for many, many years," Ami said. "I started out in the corporate world, then moved to an independent; and we really like the independent life."

Walk in their Central Avenue front door and you'll feel the open environment, with a relocated register station that is now equipped with exotic fudge trays and other delectable goodies.

In the back you'll find a recreation of an old soda shop, complete with a black and white checkerboard floor where they churn real milkshakes and malts, as well as ice cream floats with the soda of your choice, all made in the traditional way with equipment that reflects the period.

Britt Drug owner Dale Kachner makes a home-made milkshake at the store, located on Central Avenue.Dale and Ami encourage people to come in just as a place to visit and talk – for families, friends, anyone.

They each agreed that the atmosphere of this mid-20th century kind of shop is a predecessor to the modern coffee shops – though they cater to very different people.

While today's coffee shops are seen as hubs oftentimes for trendy young professionals on the go, the atmosphere at Britt Drug is all about welcoming family in – not because you don't have anything better to do, but because you want to slow down and enjoy some company.

The couple intends to make further structural and aesthetic improvements to the facility, which will include a new exterior sign.

The store is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and is also open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Market Days, the third Saturday of each month.