Great treats come from small packages – in this case, a converted shipping container.

On April 11, 2026, a new business named Soda Box “popped” up offering dirty soda and snacks. Their first day showed immense interest with cars circling the block, eager to get a taste. They’re a small stand with big plans for the future of their business and community.

Almost anyone can agree – nothing is better than a fresh, fizzy soda, and that’s exactly what Soda Box wants to provide. Whether you’re in the mood for a soft drink or snack, they aim to be the one-stop pop shop.

“Basically, we make what’s called… dirty sodas,” senior Kaylen Greenwald said. “Which is like, any sort of … fountain drink, and you mix it with different syrups or different creamers or purees. And we also have chocolate milk drinks, and I guess we have refreshers, which is, like, water and syrup.”

It’s the small details that count, and where Soda Box shines. Customers find nothing makes a drink better than small personalizations tailored to their taste.

“At first, for each drink, we have a certain amount of pumps that we do for each syrup in the drink,” Kaylen Greenwald said. “And like, we had some people say that it was too sweet, so we backed down. But then some people said that it wasn’t enough, so we’ve had to kind of mix up a couple of things. But I mean, we’re always going to be working to change things and always be going to be working to bring new things to Soda Box so it keeps people interested and keeps people coming back.”

Perseverance plays a large role in business, especially in a small, up-and-coming one. But founder Alex Smith, a PHS graduate, had more in mind than the minimum. She had a vision and is committed to perfecting it.

“Our biggest thing was we wanted to make it convenient with a drive-thru,” Smith said. “We are so lucky to have found Pamela Hiser with I Got Your Back Massage, who has been incredible and so supportive to help us start this venture and utilize her old drive-thru.”With still more to do before customers could start lining up for refreshment, Smith worked in partnership with her husband, Trey Smith, to customize the business’s workspace.

“My husband and I renovated and built the container from the ground up, so we had some building setbacks in the beginning with design in a small space, but nothing we didn’t overcome. It’s taught me a lot about the process, and I’m grateful to be learning.”

Differing from the average brick-and-mortar store and not quite a food truck, this business certainly fills a niche unfamiliar to the Powell area. This, combined with an active effort to stand out, personalize, and innovate, puts Soda Box at the forefront of Powell’s establishments.

“It’s a combination of customization, fun branding, and the experience,” Smith said. “I do all of the creation, marketing, and social media myself, and I’ve worked hard to make it personal to Soda Box’s identity. You can create your own drink or try something off our menu, and everything is designed to feel modern, fun, and a little different.”

Personality and quirky atmosphere? Soda Box has got it, and it’s a permanent feature that grows with the name.

“My goal is to build something that’s successful, community-focused, and something I’m really proud of,” Smith said. “I’d love for it to stay family-oriented while also having the potential to grow. And if it did grow and maybe even became something people recognize outside of the area, that no matter how much it grows, I want it to keep the same fun, welcoming energy it started with.”

Not just a one-hit wonder, Soda Box is still releasing new flavors and specials for upcoming events and seasons.

“We have … specials, like, we have a summer special,” junior Leah Graham said. “We might have a prom special.”

What words would the owner have for her customers and community if she could tell them? 

“I just want to say how grateful I am for the support from the community,” Smith said. “I was born and raised here, and it feels rewarding to be able to give back to a community that helped me growing up. It really means everything, and we’re excited to keep growing and improving.”