Nonnie's Soda Fountain

Photo by David Pollan

Tucked away in historic downtown Tomball is a throwback concept that pays tribute to the soda shops found on most Main Streets in the 1940s and '50s.

The goal at Nonnie's Soda Fountain, which opened a little more than a year ago, is to recreate the atmosphere of the soda fountain that was the cornerstone of many American cities from the turn of the century through the 1960s. The menus are printed on regular 33 1/3 LPs and the kids' menus are printed on 45s. The free jukebox plays songs from more than 60 albums from the '40s, '50s and '60s. Memorabilia from a past generation hangs on the walls. Diners can sit at tables indoors or out, or they can opt for counter service. Upon entry, diners are greeted by employees, or "soda jerks" clad in attire from the era.

"Older people love it here because it takes them back in time," owner Danon "Nonnie" Maynard said. "And younger people love it because it is something they never got to, but always wanted to, experience."

Maynard said she strives to provide a meeting place that has a community-centered atmosphere paired with moderate prices and warm service. Whether you are looking to take a date out on Saturday night or need a place to bring the family, Nonnie's is a place that fits all needs, she said.

"Once people come here and experience it, they come back, and it is not just because of the atmosphere," Maynard said. "They come back also because the food, the service and the ratings are off the chart."

The menu at Nonnie's is simple and all the food is homemade. It is comprised mainly of soups, sandwiches, hot dogs and a plethora of dessert items. Dessert items include shakes and malts made from any flavor of Houston-based Hank's Ice Cream, sundaes, banana splits, cobblers and brownies. Nonnie's also serves hand-drawn soda fountain drinks, where they pump the soda syrup and add the carbonated water the old-fashioned way.

The recipes at Nonnie's are either passed down from Maynard's family members, are creations of Maynard herself or are creations of her long-time friend, partner and restaurant manager Gloria Dextraze. Maynard said the menu was purposely kept simple. She wanted to offer good, affordable food that could be prepared easily.

"Originally I was only going to serve ice cream and desserts, but I knew I could not survive on just that," she said.

Maynard is part of four generations of "soda jerks." Her mother and grandmother both worked in soda fountains, and her granddaughter is learning the trade. Maynard spent most of her career in the technology industry, and she opened Nonnie's with no previous restaurant experience, because she decided that a soda fountain was what Tomball needed, she said. The idea to open a soda fountain in Tomball came to her while travelling with her husband, she said.

Maynard employs about 16 people, most of whom are local high school students.

For Maynard, it is not just about providing a community-friendly atmosphere with good food, the real joy she said, comes from meeting and getting to know her customers.

"We have the best customers ever," she said. "We really do."

Owner recommendations:

Rock 'n' Roll Chicken Salad Sandwich $6.99
Chili cheese dog on homemade white bun $4.99
Grilled cheese $4.99
Hot cobbler (peach or apple) $3.99
-a la mode $4.99

| Houston

Nonnie's Soda Fountain

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Nonnie's Soda Fountain

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By David Pollan