Iconic Alabama soda fountain lauded as a summer must-stop by Garden & Gun
The historic shop offers sandwiches, sundaes, and a beloved Thursday special where seniors pay just a nickel per scoop of ice cream.
Chloe Mitchell 
Alabama’s oldest soda fountain has earned a spot on a prestigious list of must-visit destinations this summer. Garden & Gun recently highlighted the historic charm of this local gem, marking it as a quintessential stop for anyone traveling through the state.
A Century and a Half of History
Payne’s Soda Fountain & Sandwich Shop, located in Scottsboro, has been serving the community for more than 150 years. With such a deep-rooted history, the shop has transformed from a simple pharmacy and dry goods store into a beloved institution that draws in both longtime locals and curious travelers.
According to a recent feature in Garden & Gun, Payne’s made its mark in the 1920s as the first location in Jackson County to serve Coca-Cola, a feat achieved through the Payne family's unique business connections. Today, it remains a favorite for its retro atmosphere and extensive menu, which features classic Reuben sandwiches, pimento cheese, barbecue ham sliders, hot dogs, and salads, followed by a variety of signature sundaes.
The Thursday Tradition
Beyond the menu, the shop is famous for a heartwarming Thursday tradition: senior citizens pay just a nickel per scoop of ice cream. General manager Jessica Walton says the special creates a wonderful atmosphere in the store. "So many regulars will stay awhile visiting with friends or running into old classmates," Walton noted. "It’s particularly fun when someone who doesn’t know about the special comes up to pay and gets hit with sticker shock, but in a good way."
A National Recognition
Payne’s was featured alongside other historic soda fountains across the South, including:
- Pitt Street Pharmacy (Mount Pleasant, S.C.)
- Star Drug Store (Galveston, Texas)
- Borroum’s Drug Store & Soda Fountain (Corinth, Miss.)
- Old Town Slidell Soda Shop (Slidell, La.)
Payne’s Soda Fountain & Sandwich Shop, located at 101 E. Laurel Street in Scottsboro, is open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Visit their Facebook page here to learn more. Read the full feature at Garden & Gun here.
