Jessica Randall paints the Pickwick pink with old-fashioned recipes and new twists
Jessica Randall, better known as Pink Mama, is always up for adventure. For example, in 2009, she turned a van into an ice cream truck, pretty much on a whim, and quickly became popular at neighborhood events. In 2015, she opened her shop in Travelers Rest, which gets a steady stream of visitors from the Swamp Rabbit Trail and beyond.
And then, Kelly Odom, owner of Pickwick Pharmacy on Augusta Street, called her about taking over the legendary Pickwick soda fountain. The family-owned shop opened in 1933 in the current Warehouse Theatre space before moving to their current location on Augusta Street in 1947. In addition to its pharmacy and retail, the business has decades of history selling shakes, malts, fresh-squeezed orangeade and lemonade, among other delights, from an authentic 1949 soda fountain.
We checked in with Randall about her growing business, her favorite sweet treats, and tips for creating the ultimate summer refreshments.
Taking Over the Pickwick Soda Fountain
How long have you been here at the Pickwick, and how did you end up here?
Valentine’s Day was one year. Kelly (Odom) contacted us about taking over the soda fountain, and I was thrilled. We wanted to maintain the integrity of the soda fountain but also put our Pink Mama’s twist on it.
What is a Pink Mama’s twist?
We expanded the ice cream side, and we are known for our Pink Mama waffle cones. We like to make everything a little different from anyone else’s; a little something extra.
This is your first old-fashioned soda fountain. How does that differ from your TR ice cream shop?
This has been around forever and has lots of regulars, so I love that aspect. We do classic malts, soda floats . . . not a lot of people do that anymore. We make root beer floats, cream sodas, and we can add cherry, chocolate, or vanilla syrups.
What about the food side of the soda fountain?
I really love doing the food. It’s lots of fun: sandwiches, chili dogs, barbecue, homemade soups. We’ve upgraded: we use all-beef hot dogs, make our own chili, and we use a local company, Mike and Jeff’s, for our barbecue. We try to support local businesses when we can. We also use Duke’s spreads to make fresh Duke’s sandwiches to order.
Do you have a signature drink here?
We’re known for our milkshakes. We use a secret ingredient that enhances the flavor—just gives it something extra. We’re also known for our Pink-a-ccino, where we make a milkshake but with coffee instead of milk, blended like a frappe.
What do you recommend on the hottest days of summer?
We make our own homemade lavender pink lemonade. We make it here using real lavender, simmered down. We also make orangeade, limeade, and lemonade. They’ve been making those here forever. We use fresh-squeezed juices. We want to keep everything as authentic and real as possible.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
Honestly, it’s the customer aspect, being able to sit down and talk with our regulars and meet new people.
How did you first get into the ice cream business?
I wanted a glitter race car, but I knew that wouldn’t happen. My son was about four, and my husband ran a plumbing business, and he had this Astro van. I said, I think I want an ice cream truck. And it’s just been nuts. It turned into this whole beast, which is cool.
Did you do a lot of research before jumping in?
We didn’t do much research. It’s unexplainable. We just try things. We didn’t know what we were getting into, and in a way, that’s been good. Our son is now 21, and he helps. It’s a cool family story. I told my husband he had to quit plumbing and run the TR store.
Where did the Pink Mama name come from?
I love everything pink, Hello Kitty, and glitter. I’ve been in trouble about my hair my whole life, so I just decided to embrace it. I usually have a pink mohawk, but I’m letting it grow out, and the pink washed out a little bit since I’ve been at the lake. But I never know what I might do with it next.
Advice on making perfect soda float and milkshake at Pink Mama’s
- Mix soda water and cherry juice and/or vanilla syrup
- Fill a glass with vanilla ice cream (or your favorite flavor)
- Pour the soda water over the ice cream.
- Add a straw and a spoon and enjoy!
Tip: Try using Cheerwine, root beer, or Coke instead of soda water, and experiment with ice cream flavors and toppings.
Milkshake Madness
At Pickwick, mix Pink Motherlode ice cream (a custom signature pink vanilla almond ice cream loaded with mini chocolate chips, Oreo cookies, and chocolate chip cookies) with milk for a classic shake, or with coffee for a buzzy Pink-a-ccino.
The Pickwick, 3219 Augusta St., Greenville, 864.277.4180, thepickwick.net
