Marilee Bray - The Soda Shack


The idea for the Soda Shack came to Vaughn and Marilee when they saw a chance to introduce a fresh, specialty drink experience to Lubbock, Texas. Starting with a mobile unit, they quickly realized the demand was high. At one of their first major events at Sutherland’s, they had such a busy day that they ran out of supplies and had to close early. The challenges continued through COVID-19, as they traveled across Texas for supplies and adapted their processes to stay open, keeping the business running for both their employees and customers. Community involvement has been central to the Soda Shack’s mission. Vaughn and Marilee, both products of Lubbock’s public schools, have made it a priority to support local education and community programs. The business regularly donates to schools, provides hundreds of gift cards for fundraising, and is a major donor to the Lubbock Library System’s Summer Reading Program. Their dedication to the community makes the Soda Shack a valuable and trusted part of West Texas.
What sets the Soda Shack apart is Vaughn and Marilee’s active, hands on involvement. Unlike many other establishments in the area, they are present at all their locations, know their customers, and oversee quality control and customer relations themselves. With guidance from the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), they’ve been able to grow strategically, securing an SBA loan and refining their operations. Their advice to new business owners? Always invest in quality and prioritize a strong, positive work environment.