It’s likely a secret to no one: Businesses are just as thankful for the Friday after Thanksgiving as shoppers. We both probably have the same feeling about the early morning start too. “If I get up at 4 a.m., how will I know when lunch is?” Perhaps, this is how ‘brunch’ started. Ah brunch. A meal not well-defined by traditional breakfast and lunch times, but I digress.
Having been on both sides of the early morning shopping experience, I can say the excitement really is the same. You don’t know what’s going to happen, but you’re up for the experience, quite literally in fact. So it goes without saying, but we’ll say it anyway, there’s always something that’s going to surprise you. Truthfully, that’s part of what makes it such a great day. It’s the lasting, core memories that day’s experiences will create for you.
Let’s Do a Collab
A core memory for Soda Drop that day was it was our first collaboration with another business, Drift. It was a natural experience for both of us as our goals aligned. Our role in the venture was to provide a select choice of Soda Drop original drinks for shoppers patiently waiting in line at Drift before their 7 a.m. opening. Even though the drinks were free, it allowed us to introduce ourselves to another audience. An opportunity we couldn’t pass up. It was also an opportunity to do something else we haven’t done before, make custom sodas before 6 a.m. That’s early, and a bit before “coffee:30” for me. Though I did learn an early morning Reindeer Energy infused with Red Bull does put some pep in your step. You’re right it ain’t your classic coffee, but I’ve never made 41 free sample drinks faster before 6 a.m. (editor’s note: That’s the only time we’ve made 41 drinks before 6 a.m.).
Q&A
Ultimately, it was a highly enjoyable day filled with learning for both us and our customers. We learned more about our customers preferences and how best to provide them the soda experience they’ll enjoy. Our customers learned more about what we can offer and even provided a few tests of our drink crafting skills. Here’s a sample of some interactions.
- “Can Soda Drop energize a drink?” Yes, we can add Red Bull or Bubbl’r to just about any drink.
- “Can Soda Drop de-energize a drink?” Yes, we can substitute a soda for any of our Energy Drinks featuring Red Bull or Bubbl’r.
- “Is sugar-free an option for Soda Drop drinks?” Yes, we can make most drinks either sugar-free or at least near-sugar-free using Diet/Zero versions of the sodas and sugar-free syrups. We don’t have sugar-free syrup for every syrup option we offer, but we do for many varieties.
- “I don’t know what to order, can you make me something tropical with coconut?” Absolutely! One ‘unique for the beach’ Tropical Coconut treat coming right up.
The last question was a bit of a test but one we love to answer for guests. Everyone has flavors they love, and we love to craft drinks highlighting those flavors. Your order doesn’t have to be an original drink directly from our menu. If you’d love to have it, we’d love to make it…as long as we have the ingredients. We do have an extensive syrup and add-ins collection but some items, like freeze-dried watermelon, have thus far eluded us…for now.
That’s A Wrap
From the first drinks to the last, the Friday after Thanksgiving was an experience. An experience we’ll always remember. If you find yourself looking for an experience to remember, stop by and try Soda Drop. After all, at Soda Drop a soda isn’t just a soda, it’s an experience. Come experience it with us! See you soon.