Bowling Green, August 21, 2025
News Summary
Thirsty’s Soda Stop has opened in Bowling Green, offering customizable soft drinks and snacks to enhance the local beverage scene. Co-founded by Vance Ruiz, the shop allows patrons to create their own drinks with various flavors. Located in the Princess Building, it aims to appeal to WKU students and downtown visitors while fostering collaborations with local businesses. The establishment is open during convenient hours to serve the community.
Bowling Green Welcomes Thirsty’s Soda Stop Offering Unique Beverage Experience
Thirsty’s Soda Stop, a new beverage establishment, has officially opened its doors in Bowling Green, bringing a wide range of custom soft drinks and snack options to the downtown area. Located in the Princess Building, in the previous site of Mary Jane’s Chocolates, the shop promises a refreshing twist on traditional soda offerings that cater to all ages.
Co-founded by Bowling Green native Vance Ruiz, Thirsty’s aims to provide a creative beverage experience by allowing customers to personalize their drinks with various flavor additives, including fruit, syrups, and creamers. Ruiz has described these drinks as “virgin cocktails,” focusing on delivering a fun and casual alternative to alcoholic beverages through enhanced soda options.
The ideas leading to the creation of Thirsty’s Soda Stop were inspired by Ruiz’s experiences in Utah, where he observed a dense concentration of similar soda shops. The vision was finalized after discussions with his mother, Gladys Sagastegui, who operates Cocomo Confections, known for its desserts and sweet treats.
In addition to its extensive drink menu, the shop offers a selection of snack foods, including plain or loaded fries topped with cheese and bacon bits, as well as pretzel bites with cheese. Dessert choices are complemented by cake pops supplied by Cocomo Confections, appealing to those with a sweet tooth.
Thirsty’s Soda Stop has strategically timed its opening to align with the beginning of fall semester classes at Western Kentucky University (WKU). The presence of a group of WKU freshmen on the store’s opening day hinted at a potential for continuous patronage from the student demographic, increasing foot traffic in the area.
The store operates Monday through Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Thursday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., remaining closed on Sundays. Ruiz mentioned a desire for Thirsty’s to complement rather than compete with existing businesses downtown, positioning it as a dessert option for visitors in the area. The establishment also places a strong emphasis on building partnerships with other local businesses, fostering a sense of community in Bowling Green.
Summary of Thirsty’s Soda Stop Features
- Location: Princess Building, Bowling Green
- Ownership: Co-founded by Vance Ruiz
- Beverage Offerings: Customizable soft drinks with flavor additives
- Snack Foods: Fries (plain and loaded), pretzel bites
- Desserts: Cake pops from Cocomo Confections
- Operating Hours: Mon-Wed 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Thu-Sat 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Closed on Sundays
- Target Audience: WKU students and downtown visitors
- Community Focus: Collaboration with local businesses
Conclusion
As Thirsty’s Soda Stop begins its journey in downtown Bowling Green, it aims to enhance the local beverage landscape by offering a unique, family-friendly option. The commitment to building relationships with other businesses and providing an enjoyable experience for the community sets a promising foundation for its future success.
FAQ
What type of drinks does Thirsty’s Soda Stop offer?
Thirsty’s Soda Stop offers a variety of customizable soft drinks with flavor additives, making them similar to virgin cocktails.
What snacks are available at Thirsty’s?
The shop provides snack options such as plain and loaded fries and pretzel bites with cheese. Desserts like cake pops are also available.
When is Thirsty’s Soda Stop open?
The shop is open Monday to Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Thursday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. It is closed on Sundays.
Why did Thirsty’s open now?
The timing of the opening coincided with the start of the fall semester at WKU, aiming to attract students and increase foot traffic.
Is Thirsty’s Soda Stop competing with other local businesses?
No, Thirsty’s aims to complement existing businesses in downtown Bowling Green rather than compete with them.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Bowling Green Daily News: Thirsty’s Soda Stop Opening
- Lane Report: Clark Beverage Group Investment
- Bowling Green Daily News: Biz Brief on Chicken Salad Chick
- WNKY: Clark Beverage Group Distribution Facility Announcement
- Google Search: Thirsty’s Soda Stop
Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER
The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
