Sweet history: Glenburn Soda Fountain and Confectionery in Burnaby Heights

                       

Tucked away in Burnaby Heights is a place that reminds locals that life is sweet.

Glenburn Soda Fountain and Confectionery serves quality dessert treats while preserving the neighbourhood’s history.  The shop sits near the site of the former Glenburn Dairy, which was once located at Boundary Road and Hastings Street.

Visiting is a vintage experience with modern-day updates such as gluten-free and vegan options (and they do take-out!) Glenburn also buys many of their sauce and topping ingredients from local farms, which in turn, helps build the local economy.

proud owner of Glenburn Soda

The confectionery captured the retro style of the neighbourhood with classic equipment, uniforms and music that harkens back to the ‘40s, and in doing so created a gathering place for the community.

“We want to serve a dessert that is always in season and that crosses generations,” says Ron LaQuaglia, who founded the business with his wife Roberta LaQuaglia.

Banana split

Ron and Roberta are both dessert advocates who want to serve their customers premium-quality treats the old-fashioned way. Their classic menu includes ice cream, soda, shakes, sundaes and floats.

“We want people to slow down and enjoy an experience from a simpler time,” says Ron. “Our customers often come in and start to reminisce; they talk about their memories and forget the rushed schedule everyone seems to have these days. We’re pleased that young people are a large part of our clientele.”

young woman and young man eating ice cream

The LaQuaglia’s are a young family and want their business to be a destination for other families to gather and socialize. Their childhood memories are filled with family outings for ice cream and visiting soda shops, and they believe in the value of a dessert-only destination where quality treats are served.

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