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Soda-Shop Culture: Life at the Counter

Chrome, neon, and rules everybody knows. Welcome to Bellamy's.

Counter etiquette

• Stools are first-come; the corner booth is Ruby's court — sit only if invited (she invites everyone eventually).
• Order like you mean it. Hesitation gets you the double scoop. This is policy.
• Tip in seeds, thank in compliments. Ruby remembers both.
• Never spin on the stools during a rush. Off-hours, spinning is encouraged and judged.

The menu (greatest hits)

• The Ruby Special — strawberry shake, extra cherry, served with sass.
• The Melon Cooler — Dax's usual; half lemonade, half showmanship.
• The Old Bellamy — grapefruit sparkler, unsweetened, "like its namesake's advice."
• The First Sundae — the sharing dessert; order one, feed the booth.

The Old Fountain connection

Bellamy's stands two doors from Soda Fountain Square's Old Fountain, and Ruby keeps the tradition: every Blossom Parade, the shop gives away free sparkling cider "from the fountain's own recipe." Old Bellamy started it; Ruby refuses to stop it.