A beloved soda fountain that recently closed its doors after 66 years will soon be given new life.
Big State Drugs closed last week citing financial challenges.
Rick Fairless, well known for his custom choppers at his business called Strokers Dallas, have bought Big State with his wife.
Fairless has been in the motorcycle business for 20 years, but he said the transition to owning Big State will be easy.
"I’m selling a product. Over here I’m selling motorcycles, I’m selling parts, I’m selling leather jackets. Over there, I’m selling ice cream sundaes, I’m selling teddy bears, I’m selling snow cones, I’m selling hamburgers," he said.
His wife, Susan, said renovation plans are already in action.
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"We’re going to try to keep as much of the original that we can possibly keep. And that sign, we want it to be our logo," she said.
They said Big State will no longer sell drugs, and their focus will be on bringing back the soda fountain.
"The fountain is going to work. It’s not only going to work. It’s going to be huge," Fairless said, adding he'll be going all out with embellishing the store with a 50s theme.
This venture is one that tugs at both owners' heartstrings being lifelong Irving residents.
"I’m actually a sixth-generation Irvingite. It would make my great-great-grandfather one of the original settlers in Irving," said Fairless.
They hope reopening Big State will keep a priceless tradition alive for the younger generation.
They plan to re-open in 60 days.
