A Cold Coke in a Paper Cup made for a Wonderful Supermarket Treat

My family had a distinct routine when it came to food shopping – a monthly ritual that was quite the affair. Imagine spending hours navigating the aisles of either Pathmark or ShopRite, our trusted shopping destinations. Our mission: hunt down the best deals, meticulously sift through a heap of coupons, and ensure no opportunity for savings slipped by. Pathmark had its allure, with those bargain bin videotapes and occasional video games. However, the ShopRite had a hidden treasure that resonated with me even more.

At the ShopRite we frequented, there was a real gem tucked away in the rear section – a Coca-Cola machine. But this wasn't just any ordinary vending machine. It was a marvel that served up fountain-style cola in simple paper cups, all for a mere 25 cents.

Speaking of cups, they were the standard size you'd expect, what we'd dub "Small" today. The magic, though, was in the soda itself. Always chilled to perfection, the taste was a masterful blend – so refreshingly cold that ice wasn't even necessary. The experience was so enjoyable that I'd stash away quarters, saving up for a special treat: a cup or two of that fountain cola every time we embarked on our shopping journey.

One vivid memory etched into my mind is a scene where I'm seated on a box near that cherished machine. Beside me is my mother, both of us enjoying our own cups of Coke. It's a cozy picture set in the dairy aisle, a space alive with shoppers bustling about, grabbing essentials like milk and butter. Amidst it all, my mother shares a genuine smile and utters these simple yet profound words: "It doesn't get much better than this."

And you know what? She hit the nail on the head.

Encountering this ad stirred up a rush of memories, almost as if I were instantly transported back to that precise spot – perched on that box, relishing that frosty soda. It's a place in my heart that I hold dear.