May 15, 2007 was a memorable day in Abingdon when long-time operating Ellis Pharmacy on Main Street in Abingdon closed it’s doors. Exactly one year later, those doors opened back up as the unique Pop Ellis Soda Shoppe & Grill.

The Oak cases the line the walls are from the old Corner Drug Store near the Courthouse on Main Street

For over 50 years, Abingdon pharmacist Harold and his wife Yvonne Ellis spent much of their spare time collecting Pharmacy and Soda Shop memorabilia. Now those pieces of the past adorn the walls and shelves within.

Owners Doug and Lorie Ellis are proud of the history of the pharmacy that his father Harold operated, and it’s evident as soon as you walk in the doors. When you enter this unique eatery, you’ll notice a welcome of “Hafa Adai” (pronounced “Half a Day”) inscribed simply on the glass doors. It was added to the pharmacy doors over 30 years ago by Harold Ellis himself after serving in Guam during WWII. It’s a greeting native to Guam and the islands of the Northern Marianas that says warmly, “Hello.”

Inside you’ll be busy eyeing the local medical antiquities that adorn every inch of the establishment that the Ellis family passionately collected over the years. The tables even share old photographs of the pharmacy and downtown Abingdon. There’s a story to be told everywhere inside the restaurant. There is an original scale balance that was once used by a local female pharmacist named Minnie Baugh, who practiced in Abingdon from 1897 - 1899. The prized Oak showcases that line the walls were saved from the old Corner Drug Store that operated across from the county courthouse until the early 70’s.

If you’d rather be outside, you can revel in the history of downtown while enjoying their street side patio with your friends and family. (They are pet friendly, and even keep a water bowl outside for your pooch.)

Hungry for a homemade salad? How about soup & sandwich? Or an all-American burger? They have them. Their menu is all variety plus a mouth-watering selection of (you guessed it) floats, ice creams and delectable desserts.

They haven’t been open long; but will be first to tell you they’ve had visitors from everywhere - including a surprise visit from Senator Barack Obama and drag racer Don “Big Daddy” Garlits - both on the same afternoon.

You can create memories that you won’t soon forget with a visit to Pop Ellis’ Soda Shoppe and Grill. As they say at Pop Ellis, “Some things never go out of style, a soda and a smile!”