A visit to Pappy’s Sweet Shop is a step back in time. Opened in 1927, the eatery has long been a favorite gathering place for students. Located in the Union Commons on the ground floor of the Purdue Memorial Union, the Pappy’s of today harkens back to the diner heydey of the 1950s.

A $1.9 million renovation completed in 2004 transformed the Sweet Shop into a retro soda fountain with mini jukeboxes lining the counter, a wraparound mural with iconic images of the era, and accents of chrome, teal, and cherry red. The menu’s been updated, too. But diners still flock to the Sweet Shop for the classic burgers and shakes, made with original-formula Purdue Creamery ice cream.

The iconic hangout holds special memories for many alumni, including some who met their sweetheart through one of Pappy’s Coke dates.

“It seems like most everyone has a connection to the Sweet Shop,” says Shannen Jordan, operations manager. “Alumni love the fact that they can still come back and have a milkshake; it returns them ‘back to the day.’”

One bit of nostalgia that was preserved in the renovation is the corner booth made of heavy, dark wood. Similar seating once filled the entire space. The solid oak booths and tables were installed as part of a previous renovation completed in 1967. The adjacent Bean Cellar remains intact.

A plaque dedicated to Frank “Pappy” Fox, manager and originator of the Purdue institution known as the Union Sweet Shop, hangs above the corner booth. Pappy was well-loved by the students, staff, and alumni he served for 34 years. In 2001, the Sweet Shop was named to honor Pappy, the original burger flipper and soda jerk. Still popular as a study space, Pappy’s Sweet Shop will celebrate its 90th anniversary this year. 

“Pappy’s creates a safe haven for students to come relax and enjoy each other’s company,” says Jordan. It also provides experiential learning opportunities for student workers. “For student employees, we are a major influence on their job training; they learn time management, work ethic, responsibility, and accountability.”