Whether you are a connoisseur of the classic grilled cheese with bacon, or prefer your beef patty with peanut butter and jelly – a new joint in the city promises to fulfill every burger lover’s deepest (and most secret) desires.
While it carries the same name, Soda Jerks is not affiliated with the original restaurant that closed its doors in 2003 at 570 St. Albert Trail, say owners Lance Popke and Wayne Hemmerling. They claim they were just lucky with getting in the same spot.
“The opportunity of being in the same place where the original one was and have that kind of recognition was intriguing to us,” says Popke.
“It is really a great spot and fits with what we need for our restaurant.”
Two years ago, Popke and Hemmerling opened their first Soda Jerks in Edmonton. The restaurant did well so they decided to open a second joint in St. Albert, Popke’s hometown.
The restaurant is a mix of a classic ’50s diner and a modern burger shop. There are flashy red cushioned booths and Bee Gees music coming from the loudspeakers but Popke says they use a lot of modern fabrics and lights.
Soda Jerks serves old-fashioned pop bottles (over 40 flavours) and 20 different types of milkshakes – all of which are made with real ice cream.
Popke says they also have 20 different types of vodka shots that can be added to drinks and milkshakes. Flavours range from apple to watermelon, chocolate, cookie dough to fruit loops and cotton candy.
But the real twist is in their do-it-yourself burger menu. Customers can create a meal by choosing from a list of buns, sauces, toppings, meats and sides. Even gluten-free burger sand sides are available. All of the patties are homemade with a secret blend of spices.
“Basically everything we carry we can turn into a burger, from perogies to nachos to chocolate dip bacon on your burger,” Hemmerling says.
“I know it sounds strange but people do it. And some love it and other people just try to be adventurous.”
The menu also carries appetizers and main food items to choose from. But even those can feel like a challenge.
The Doris are two grilled cheese with bacon sandwiches on a three-quarter inch sourdough bread, with a row of beef paddies, egg, bacon, cheese, lettuce and mayonnaise in between. If you eat the whole thing you get a free t-shirt.
There are healthy options, such as chicken burgers and salad options, says Hemmerling. At Soda Jerks it all depends on what you make of it.
Soda Jerks celebrate their grand opening on Saturday, June 22. The restaurant is located at 570 St. Albert Trail with more information available at www.sodajerksbyob.com.
