Paris Soda Company hosts grand opening ceremony
Published 9:29 am Friday, May 26, 2017
Lisa Croteau, the Niles Main Street Downtown Development Authority director, talks with restaurant Jim Morris.
Denise Morris, left and Payton Morris help out at the restaurant during a grand opening ceremony.
Allison Hayes and daughter, Emery, of Niles, pose for a shot after ordering some gelato at the Paris Soda Company. Hayes is the fiancé of Mayor Nick Shelton.
Derek Sheppler, of Buchanan, picks up some sliders
Adam Mensinger, left, talks with council member Dan VandenHeede inside Paris Soda Company.
Restaurant owner Jim Morris snips through red tape, during a grand opening ceremony at Paris Soda Company.
A crostini with goat cheese and artichoke hearts was among the appetizers available during a ribbon cutting ceremony at Paris Soda Company.
Buchanan Area Chamber of Commerce members Sarah Gault, left, and Karol Behrle enjoy sliders and barbecue at the Paris Soda Company. (Leader photo/KELSEY HAMMON)
After months of hard work to restore the former Paris Soda Shop, restaurant owner Jim Morris snipped through a red ribbon to celebrate the Paris Soda Company with a grand opening ceremony Thursday night at the restaurant at 220 E. Main St.
The Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce hosted the event. Dozens packed the restaurant to sample barbecue sliders, barbecue tips and appetizers, such as a crostini with goat cheese and artichoke hearts and a plate of veggies and chips with fire roasted red pepper hummus.
Mayor Nick Shelton and members of the Niles City Council were among those in attendance.
“I was surprised at the turn out,” Morris said.
South Bend residents Julie Dragomer and Michael Polonka said it was worth the drive to taste the barbecue.
“The barbecue was absolutely wonderful,” Dragomer said. “The rib tip had a nice crusted finish. You just don’t find that often.”
Morris officially opened Paris Soda Company in January. Before running the Paris Soda Company, Morris operated the barbecue joint Jim’s Smokin’ Cafe at 402 Front St. for almost three years.
While the barbecue that made his former restaurant famous will still be a staple at the Paris Soda Company, Morris said he is working to expand his menu, which will offer up other edible delights like gourmet grilled cheese, oven baked sandwiches and a variety of gelatos, made in Fennville, Michigan.
Morris encouraged those in attendance to make suggestions for the menu.
After the ribbon cutting, Morris received a special tribute certificate signed by Sen. John Proos, State Rep. Dave Pagel and U.S. Rep. Fred Upton. District Representative Adam Mensinger presented the certificate.
Morris said he was glad to have his business welcomed in downtown Niles.
“It was fantastic,” Morris said.
