Soda jerk

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Soda jerk (or soda jerker) is the name for the person — typically a youth — who works the soda fountain in a drugstore. The term refers to the person who made an ice cream soda. This was made by putting flavored syrup into a specially designed tall glass, adding soda water and, finally one or two scoops of ice cream. The result was served with a long handled "soda spoon" and straws. The name soda jerk came from the jerking action the server would use on the soda fountain handle when adding the soda water.[1] Very few drugstores still serve ice cream and soda, which reached its peak in the 1940s.

Some modern theme diners are styled after establishments from the 1950s and include an actual soda jerk, along with standard jukeboxes and booth seating.