Davidson Soda Shop has been serving Lake Norman families for 75 years and will celebrate today with a special menu commemorating the milestone.

The restaurant has been a fixture of downtown Davidson since 1951, when Mary Potts and Murray Fleming opened the M&M Soda Shop on South Main Street, about a block from Davidson College. The shop opened when soda fountains and small-town diners served as gathering places for students, residents and visitors. It has retained much of that charm over the decades.

The Soda Shop has become part of local history, serving generations of college students, alumni and local families while remaining a gathering place that reflects the close-knit character of the community.

“We appreciate the town’s support for the last 75 years,” owner Misty Utech said. “We wouldn’t be here without their support.”

Today’s specials include longtime favorites:

• $4 egg salad, chicken salad or pimento cheese with chips
• $2.50 vanilla, chocolate, strawberry or black-and-white milkshakes
• $2.50 hot dog with chips
• $1.75 orange ade
• $1.75 phosphate
• $1.75 root beer or Coke float