When you think of classic sodas with clever names, community vibes, and a touch of western charm, Sippin’ Soda Shop in Lebanon, Oregon, might just pop into mind. Owned and operated by Tess Stultz, this mobile soda trailer has quickly become a fun and flavorful fixture in the area since opening in late May 2024. But the journey to get there started long before the first fizzy drink was served.
Tess, a full-time grade school teacher, didn’t set out with a background in food service. Instead, she and her husband stumbled across a $600 trailer on Facebook Marketplace in early summer 2023. That simple find sparked a new adventure.
“We bought the trailer and then completely stripped it down to the framework,” Tess said. “Most of the metal on it is original, but everything else is new!”
They poured months of hard work into renovating the trailer, carefully shaping it into something both eye-catching and functional. The result? A soda shop on wheels that’s not only self-contained—with its own water and electricity—but designed to charm.
While the name “Sippin’ Soda Shop” might seem self-explanatory, there’s a little more to the story. “Nearly our entire menu is soda, hence the name,” Tess explained. But beyond the beverages, her western roots inspired the unique character of the shop. That influence spills over into everything from the rustic decor to the creative drink names. “All our drinks are named after old western singers—there’s Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline,” she said. “Customers love the names the most, by far.”
Balancing her teaching career with running the business might sound like a heavy lift, but for Tess, stepping into the trailer has been nothing short of transformative. “I step into the trailer and my entire mood shifts,” she said. “I absolutely love my job as a teacher, but serving sodas and navigating a business really has given me a different purpose.”
That passion shows—not just in the drinks but in the connections she’s made with her community. “I’ve learned about so many businesses in our area that I would have never known of had it not been for serving at their events,” Tess said.
Sippin’ Soda Shop isn’t your typical event vendor. With a whimsical and polished trailer, Tess’s business stands apart in both appearance and experience. “There really isn’t anything like it,” she said of the custom design. And because it’s fully mobile and self-contained, the shop can travel anywhere it’s needed without requiring utilities from event hosts.
As much as Tess loves the daily joy of serving customers, one of her proudest moments came when she reviewed her business finances after the first season. “After finishing my profit and loss from our first official year open, I was only $600 away from breaking even,” she shared. “That includes the majority of the building cost. It feels really good to know that my business is successful, and I have customers to thank for that.”
With such a solid first year, Tess is looking forward to growing. Plans for a larger, waterproof trailer are on the horizon, which would allow her to operate more frequently during Oregon’s rainy seasons. “The one we have currently isn’t waterproof, which makes serving most months of the year nearly impossible,” she said. “I’d love to open more regularly in the fall, winter, and early spring.”
Sippin’ Soda Shop is also adding more perks for customers in 2025. An online ordering system and a new rewards program are rolling out, giving loyal fans even more reason to come back for their favorite fizzy fix. “Customers can earn rewards for free drinks, and we’ll have special reward days,” Tess explained. She’s also introducing rotating monthly specials—limited-time drinks that won’t appear on the regular menu but may stick around by request. “If you love these, they’ll still be available after the month is over, but they won’t be advertised any longer,” she said.
With event pricing tailored for weddings, BBQs, customer appreciation days, and other private functions, Tess hopes to book even more events in the future. She encourages people to reach out through social media to connect or inquire about availability. “Social media is the best way to find us,” she said. “@sippinsodashop on Instagram and The Sippin’ Soda Shop on Facebook. I post where we will be located every week, and then that day as well.”
Looking back, Tess says that 2024 was about getting the lay of the land—testing ideas, learning what works, and seeing what customers respond to. Now she’s ready to take things to the next level. “This year, we are growing our business and I can’t wait,” she said.
Sippin’ Soda Shop is more than just a place to grab a drink. It’s a labor of love, a community builder, and a business full of charm and personality—just like its owner.
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