Pop Shop opening second location, in Medford

The Pop Shop, a brightly decorated soda fountain and eatery that created a sensation when it opened in Collingswood a decade ago, is opening its second location in downtown Medford on Saturday.

The owners have renovated the former Burlington County National Bank, built in 1837, and turned its vault into a soda fountain. The vault's 2,000-pound door displays shiny gears, giving the colorful Pop Shop an added attraction.

"What's different from the Collingswood Pop Shop is, this one has two floors and soaring ceilings and four dining rooms," said Connie Correia, one of four owners. "There is a sense of space, and it's brighter because it has so many windows."

Most recently, the building on South Main Street housed the Farmers and Mechanics Bank. Now, it is painted yellow and decorated with aqua, hot pink, and peach-colored "soda bubbles," the Pop Shop's trademark.

The restaurant, which has 160 seats, offers 30 types of grilled cheese sandwiches and a variety of pancakes, burgers, salads, and sandwiches. Sundaes, splits, and milkshakes are also served.

Correia said the owners are considering franchises in the future but now want to concentrate on the two locations. "We're incredibly excited about opening in Medford, which embraces its Main Street and the whole Main Street philosophy," she said. The other owners are Bill "Stink" Fisher, whose parents owned a day camp in the area, and Gary and Joanne Gardner, who own a construction company in the township. Joanne Gardner's great-grandfather was a president of the Burlington County National Bank.

Grand opening events on Saturday include performances by musicians from the School of Rock in Cherry Hill and the Conservatory of Music in Audubon between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. in front of the building.

Members of the Medford Township Council will participate in a ribbon cutting at 12:30 p.m.

Like the original Pop Shop, the new one will feature retro checkerboard flooring, whimsical graphics, chrome tables and metal chairs, and a vintage jukebox.

The first one opened in a former supermarket on Haddon Avenue and played a role in Collingswood's revitalization. Correia said she is optimistic Medford is on the same path and is glad to be part of a rebirth in the downtown.

The new Pop Shop will be open seven days a week.