Location: 14 E. Main St., Springfield
Website: www.thefountainonmain.com
Telephone: (937) 327-0078
Background/overview
Geoff Norman is a Springfield native who graduated from Northwestern High School and Cedarville College. Afterward he worked many years for an Ohio-based company that eventually went out of business. He decided to develop a business ownership plan that he knew would fill a niche in his hometown. His mother Kylene, a local businesswoman, facilitated finding the space for Geoff’s new project. She heard an area in the Bushnell Building was vacant and owned by Jim Lagos. Geoff approached Jim with his concept for a downtown lunch counter. Jim liked the idea and then happened to find a 1946 soda fountain with its two original soda jerks stored in his building’s basement. That find would prove to add the character to Geoff’s business plan.
The Fountain on Main was so named by Geoff because it’s a place with a fully functional soda fountain on Main Street. It opened in July 2003 as a 1950s-style soda shop; complete with a jukebox that has a selection that includes classics on vinyl from the ’50s.
The soda shop owner provides his customers with the necessary fast service to meet their busy schedules. In regards to its classic American menu, Geoff emphasizes, “Consistency is key.” And, in keeping with uniformity, Kylene makes all the desserts for The Fountain on Main.
The menu
Beverages: Folgers or Maxwell House Coffee (both available in the 1950s)-$1.25/$1.50; Coca-Cola products-$1.59/$2.19; white milk-$1.75.
Daily soups and specials: Monday, Baja Chicken Enchilada Soup and Cheese Coney-$2.50; Tuesday, Tomato Soup and Sloppy Joe-$3.95; Wednesday, Tomato Soup or Cream of Broccoli Soup and Baked Potato-$4.25; Thursday, Cream of Potato with Bacon Soup and Ranch Chicken Pasta Salad-$4.25; Friday, Tomato Soup or Ham and Bean Soup and Pulled Pork BBQ-$4.25.
Soup (not mentioned above): Chili-$2.50/$3.75.
Salad: Tossed salad-$3.50.
Sandwiches: PB&J-$3.25; Grilled Cheese-$3.25; Hawaiian Chicken Salad Sandwich-$3.95; Tuna Salad-$3.95; Soda Shop Burger-$4.25; “Jim’s Fountain Service” Olive/Nut Salad Sandwich-$4.50.
Sides: Pickle-30 cents; Potato Chips-$1; Cottage Cheese-$1.95; Cottage Cheese with Fruit-$2.45.
Ice cream: Young’s Homemade Ice Cream-$2.25 (one scoop); Hot Fudge Sundae-$4.75; Milkshake or Malt-$4.35/$5.35; Banana Split-$5.75.
Desserts (could be): Chocolate Chip, No-bake, Oatmeal Scotchie or Snickerdoodle Cookie-$1; Apple Crumb, Cherry, Pecan, Peach, Pumpkin, or Sugar Cream Pie-$3.25; Cream Cheese Frosted Pineapple Cake-$3.25.
Hours
10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday. (Griddle opens at 11 a.m.)
More information
The Fountain on Main is visible through the old Wren’s department store front window in the Bushnell Building.
The front room is the soda shop and seats 15 customers. The back dining room seats an additional 52 diners.
Prior notice is appreciated for groups of six or more patrons. Please allow at least 24 hours noticed for special orders.
About the Author