No kebabs with these sodas

Chris Ross did not plan to open a soda shop. But plans have a way of

changing.

Newport Soda opened in late May near Newport Pier. When he made a

deal to lease the 22nd Street space, Ross intended to open a shop

selling kebab sandwiches, which are similar to gyros. He acquired a

taste for the grub during a yearlong trip to Australia.

Soon after the leasing agreement was made in November, Ross, one

of Newport Soda’s two co-owners, realized health regulations would

require him to fill the small store with so much equipment that there

would be hardly any space between the front counter and the door.

He said the idea for a soda shop -- which requires less equipment

-- came to him after he watched a Food Network program that showed

one in Louisiana.

Referring to his change of plans, Ross said, “It wasn’t that big

of a deal, but people come in here and ask, was this your dream to

open a place like this?”

Before Newport Soda, Ross worked out of his Balboa Village

residence as a graphic designer, but he grew tired of working at home

by himself.

Last summer, he said, he often found himself playing pinball in

his spare time. Starting a business has changed things.

“This summer, I haven’t had a day off in weeks,” he said.

The small shop is decorated with an array of colorful posters, a

furry pink gorilla and a figure of a cartoon superhero that was

repainted to bear Newport Soda’s logo on its costume. At the front

counter, more than 25 syrup flavors -- including lemon, pina colada

and green peppermint -- are stocked and waiting to be mixed into

sodas and milkshakes. The shop sells sandwiches as well as ice cream

and beverages.

“We have chocolate soda, and most places don’t have that,” said

Eric Ross, Chris Ross’ younger brother. Eric Ross works behind the

counter mixing various concoctions.

To make an ice cream soda, Eric Ross mixes carbonated water,

flavor syrup and a scoop of ice cream.

The shop also has regular Coca-Cola on tap, so if a customer wants

a bubble-gum favored Coke, he can have one.

Not every taste experiment is a winner. Chris Ross said he tried

to make a jalapeno milkshake. It didn’t work out.

In their first summer in business, the brothers said they have

already seen some people become regular customers. Their biggest

challenge has been attracting tourists to the store.

“In the long run we’d like to see it be better, but it’s a good

start,” Eric Ross said.

Newport Soda is at 108 22nd St., Newport Beach.