FROM STAFF REPORTS

Mom and apple pie couldn&8217;t represent classic Americana better than Jimbo&8217;s Soda Fountain in Mt Laurel, where classic food and memorabilia take customers back in time.

Owner Jim Landreth started the soda shop four years ago in the Mt Laurel shopping area as a &8220;service to the Mt Laurel community.&8221;

Planners of the community always anticipated having lunch sandwhich shop.

Landreth said he got tired of waiting, so he opened one up.

He is no stranger to the planned community; his was the 15th family to move to the city and he has owned a hardware store adjacent to the restaurant for several years, he says.

ATMOSPHERE

The tall, long room is decorated with classic American metallic advertisements signs, from the 1940s and 50s. Landreth has collected the memorabilia for over 30 years. While there are many types fof signs, Coca-Cola dominates most of the right wall; not to mention the large Coke sign that dons the over-hang between the kitchen and the cashiers desk.

The vintage-looking popcorn machine and the modern style drink and ice-cream refrigerators combine contempary with classic.

&8220;(It&8217;s a) mix of my ideas from favorite things I saw when I visited (places) in the Blue Ridge Mountians,&8221; said Landreth.

MENU

Lines can sometimes be almost out the door at lunchtime.

But it is well worth it for genuine American style burgers, hot dogs and chili. Other favorites include salad and deli sandwiches.

If the cupboard is bare in the morning, check out the delicious breakfast menu of pancakes, waffles, grits, sausage biscuits and other favorites

&8220;Saturday (breakfast) at Jimbo&8217;s is kind of a tradition in these neck of the woods,&8221; said Landreth.

FIND IT

Jimbo.s Soda Fountain

Mt Larurel Ave.

Birmingham, AL 35216

205-408-2268

HOURS: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m