It started with a reality TV binge and ended with one of Rhode Island’s happiest drink revolutions.
When Nick Tasca floated the idea of opening a soda shop, inspiration struck in an unlikely place. After watching Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, he turned to his wife Lauren and said, “This is it. This is the kind of soda shop I want to open.”
That offhand comment quickly turned into kitchen experiments, late-night brainstorming sessions, and eventually, a bright white van wrapped in bold red bubble letters that now rolls through towns across the Ocean State.
If you’ve seen Rhody Pop parked at a farmers market or outside a Friday night football game, you know it’s hard to miss. The truck is crisp white, dotted with cartoon soda bubbles and a giant striped straw splashed across the side. It feels retro and playful, like summer pulled up to the curb. Before anyone orders, someone’s already snapping a photo.
For Lauren and Nick, the goal was never just soda. “We wanted to create something nostalgic, fun, and welcoming,” Lauren says. “Something people of all ages would enjoy that reminded them of summer, childhood, and community.”
Instead of opening a storefront, they chose wheels. The mobile model lets Rhody Pop meet Rhode Islanders where they already gather, from Salve Regina and Providence College pop-ups to Cranston West football games and local markets. Each stop carries its own energy, but the vibe is consistent: relaxed, social, and just a little celebratory.
The menu starts with soda and seltzer, but it doesn’t stop there. Layered syrups, creams, and unexpected flavor combinations turn everyday drinks into signature creations. Before launching, the Tascas researched soda shops across the country, then tested combinations at home. “It was a lot of hands-on testing. Trying flavors ourselves, tweaking ratios, and seeing what actually tasted good together,” Lauren says.
Fan favorites quickly emerged. The Cranston Cooler, made with Coke, and the Retro Rhody featuring Dr Pepper have developed loyal followings. Cherry and citrus blends tend to steal the spotlight. And nothing beats when a regular steps up to the window. “One of our favorite moments is when someone comes up and we already know what they are going to order,” Lauren says. “That is how we know we nailed it.”
Of course, running a mobile business comes with its challenges. Weather shifts. Permits. Inventory. But the rewards show up in the lines that stretch down sidewalks. “When the line doesn’t stop and people are chatting and cheering each other on while they wait, it really does feel like a mini block party,” Lauren says.
Looking ahead, Lauren and Nick plan to grow thoughtfully, with bigger events, new partnerships, and seasonal flavors that lean even further into nostalgia. For now, they’re right where they want to be: rolling through Rhode Island, serving up fizzy reminders that joy sometimes comes in a cup with a straw. To catch their next pop-up, follow Rhody Pop on Instagram at @rhodypop.
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