Pop Tate
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Terry "Pop" Tate is a fictional character of the fictional Archie universe, is the owner and manager of the Chok'lit Shoppe, a soda shop and frequent hangout of Archie's Gang. Pop Tate is the self-designated philanthropist for the Archie gang, hearing about their problems while serving delicious ice cream and a variety of other goodies. Jughead Jones is Pop Tate's best customer. He constantly talks about how Jughead's appetite will provide for his retirement. In a later installment of the series, it was revealed that Pop's dad was the original "Pops", while as a child he served at his side under the moniker "Junior." Also, in a comic centered around him, it was shown that he has a cousin named Russell, who runs a similar soda shop in the mountains.
Pop's shoppe has changed little over the years, and still boasts a jukebox and old-time soda fountain. There have been attempts at times for Pop to "modernize" the shoppe, but all have failed and Pop's retains its old-time feel.
The character of Pop Tate was inspired by the Greek immigrant owners of the three Haverhill, Massachusetts soda fountains frequented by Haverhill teenagers during the 1930s. These were the Crown Confectionery and the Chocolate Shop on Merrimack Street and the Tuscarora on Winter Street. Archie creator Bob Montana would join other teens at the Chocolate Shop counter and make sketches on napkins.
[edit] Reference
- Marcus, Jon. Unknown New England. Authorhouse, 2003.
