Sip Stop brings dirty soda craze to Lovell

Somewhere along the way, America decided that soft drinks weren’t complicated enough.

Apparently, simply ordering a Pepsi or a Dr Pepper no longer met the nation’s beverage needs. Instead, people began adding flavored syrups, fruit flavors, cream and just about anything else they could dream up. What started as a quirky trend in Utah spread across the West, then across the country, creating a booming industry built around what are commonly known as “dirty sodas.”

Now the trend has arrived in Lovell.

Located near the center of town on Main Street, the Sip Stop has quickly become a popular stop for customers looking to customize their favorite drinks. The locally owned soda trailer is operated by Lacee Davila and Amber Abraham, who talked about it for a long time before opening in March.

“We’ve been planning it for about a year,” Davila said.

The idea first came from Abraham, who was familiar with the customized soda concept before moving to Wyoming.

“I really wanted to open one when we moved up here,” she said. “I just never had the opportunity. I wanted a partner.”

That partner turned out to be Davila, whom she met at a school event a few years ago.

Together, the two launched Sip Stop and have been pleased with the response.

“It’s been great,” Abraham said. “The community’s been awesome.”

For those unfamiliar with the dirty soda phenomenon, the concept is simple. Customers start with a favorite soda and then customize it with flavors, creams and mix-ins. The combinations are nearly endless.

A traditional cola can become a tropical creation with coconut and pineapple. A citrus drink can be transformed with raspberry or cream. Some customers know exactly what they want. Others simply experiment until they discover a new favorite.

During a recent visit, I ordered a Diet Mountain Dew with pineapple, raspberry and coconut cream. I have no idea whether that combination has a name, but it tasted surprisingly good. America may be onto something.

Sip Stop offers far more than just dirty sodas. The menu includes refreshers, energy drinks and other specialty beverages designed to help customers cool off during Wyoming’s hot summer afternoons.

The business has found a permanent home in Lovell and plans to remain there throughout the summer. Current summer hours are Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The trailer will also make appearances at local celebrations, including community events such as Cowley Days and Byron Days.

One thing the owners are quick to point out is that Sip Stop is not part of a national chain. While brands such as Swig and Sodalicious have expanded across the country, Sip Stop remains a hometown business built by local entrepreneurs.

In many ways, that may be part of its appeal.

Small towns have always had a way of putting their own spin on national trends. Whether it was coffee shops, food trucks or gourmet burgers, eventually those ideas found their way to places like Lovell and became something uniquely local.

Now it’s dirty sodas’ turn.

And judging by the steady stream of customers and colorful drinks leaving the window, Lovell seems perfectly willing to embrace the trend.

After all, if a Diet Mountain Dew can successfully coexist with pineapple, raspberry and coconut cream, perhaps anything is possible.