WASHINGTON -- If you've been to the Southwest Soda Pop Shop at the D.C. Wharf chances are you met the owner, a proud dad living out his dream with his daughters.
When Darryl Jones opened the ice cream shop Memorial Day weekend, it was a dream come true because his daughters were right there with him.
"I just wanted my daughters to have something to grow on and be able to venture into the world as entrepreneurs," Jones told WUSA9.
The popular shop that makes sundaes, milkshakes, floats, “chiwhich,” lemonades and more is a family-owned business, something Jones has always dreamed of.
"I've always wanted to have an ice cream place and I wanted my children to be a part of it," he said. "It's fun owning a business with dad, he's my best friend, " said Brittany Jones, the oldest of her four sisters.
"We're continuing the legacy, and it just means a lot," said Lena Norman, one of the four sisters. Jones is no stranger to the food industry. He came to the Wharf in 1993 when he managed the Virgo Fish House, a fish cleaning service, before making partner two years later. But as time went on and fewer customers started coming in, the business eventually closed. With that, came a new vision and opportunity for Jones who wanted to stick around for the Wharf’s development.
It was exciting. "I've seen this Wharf go from zero to 10 , and so it's been a great experience watching it grow over the years," Jones said.
The soda pop shop is located in the 1100 block of Maine Ave. When customers walk up to the window, they have a number of options, including the cake explosion which is a best seller.
It's a combination of cookies, cake, ice cream, whip cream and any topping you choose. Andrea Jones is the youngest of her sisters and said it feels great to work with her family and make customers smile. "It makes me feel really good," she said.
"It makes me feel like I made somebody happy." The Southwest Soda Pop Shop is open daily from 10a.m. until 9.a.m. On weekends, it closes at 10 p.m.
