The Retroist

The Retroist

Share this post

The Retroist
The Retroist
A Cold Coke in a Paper Cup made for a Wonderful Supermarket Treat
Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More

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

Retroist's avatar
Retroist
Sep 11, 2013
1

Share this post

The Retroist
The Retroist
A Cold Coke in a Paper Cup made for a Wonderful Supermarket Treat
Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More
Share

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.


Subscribe to The Retroist

Launched 4 years ago
A Retro Podcast, Blog, and Newsletter.
1

Share this post

The Retroist
The Retroist
A Cold Coke in a Paper Cup made for a Wonderful Supermarket Treat
Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More
Share

Discussion about this post

User's avatar
The Mystery Of The Red Quarters…Solved!
Did you ever find a quarter painted red and wonder if that red served a purpose? It does.
Feb 11, 2017 • 
Retroist
45

Share this post

The Retroist
The Retroist
The Mystery Of The Red Quarters…Solved!
Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More
6
Remember when Mickey Mouse decided to commit suicide?
Unless you lived in the 1930s or are a fan of vintage comic strips you might not be aware of the attempted Mickey Mouse suicide.
Aug 30, 2017 • 
Retroist
9

Share this post

The Retroist
The Retroist
Remember when Mickey Mouse decided to commit suicide?
Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More
Monkey’s Blood (Mercurochrome) for those boo-boos
Remember when you were a kid, and you would were out roughhousing with your friends.
Oct 23, 2019 • 
Retroist
4

Share this post

The Retroist
The Retroist
Monkey’s Blood (Mercurochrome) for those boo-boos
Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More
2

Ready for more?

© 2025 Retroist
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start writingGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture

Share

Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More

Create your profile

User's avatar

Only paid subscribers can comment on this post

Already a paid subscriber? Sign in

Check your email

For your security, we need to re-authenticate you.

Click the link we sent to , or click here to sign in.