Downtown is exceptionally important to the people that live here in Westfield. Many individuals, especially teens, like to go to town a lot throughout the week, so they rely on Westfield to provide shops and stores that are appealing.  Food places are particularly popular with Westfield residents, but lately, people have started to notice that there are an abundance of acai/smoothie shops open in town.  This repetition of stores has some wondering if it may be better to change things up a bit.  

     Obviously, acai/smoothie stores have become very, very popular not just in this area but all around the state.  However, since Westfield is a relatively small town it’s not necessary to have multiple acai bowl stores all in the same place.  In fact, creating something different, like opening an old school soda shop, is something that may create much more of a buzz around town.  

     Oftentimes, when people think of Westfield they think of an older, more established town, so a soda shop would fit in perfectly. It could include 1960s style coca cola machines, radios, and black and white flooring. As we researched this story, it seemed like more and more people liked the idea of having an old time soda shop come to Westfield.  In fact, 8th grader Alex Levinson stated, “I would rather have a Soda Shop in Westfield because it’s unique and very different from other stores in town. We have many acai bowl places already and having more isn’t necessary.” Additionally, fellow 8th grader Jake Nalitt reasoned that,  “A soda shop will be very popular, but it may be more expensive because of its specialty drinks and uniqueness.”

      Many young people living in Westfield are ready for a change and looking for something new to come to town. A soda shop would be something very different and would no doubt bring a lot of customers to downtown.   It would also provide another opportunity to bring our community together, and hopefully it is something we will see in the very near future.