The Pop Stop

A Heartfelt Legacy in Every Sip and Bite

Larry Garcia was a man known for his passion for family, community and a good snack. Now, three years after he died of cancer, his legacy lives on in the dreams of his wife, Susan, and her son, Dustin Polak.

Last December, the duo opened a kiosk that sits right across from Senior High. Known as the Pop Stop, it’s a place where you can step (or drive) right up for unique and mouthwatering treats and refreshing sips. It’s also a place where this mother-son team can honor the man behind the name.

“My Larry and I were married for 20 years and I’m so grateful he touched the lives of my children, grandchildren, and really, our whole community,” Susan says, her voice tinged with emotion. Susan’s son Dustin always called Larry “Pops.”

Don’t be deceived by the laid-back blue paneling with white trim. This kiosk dazzles from the inside out. With menu items like the dirty pop drink “Chai Me” (Coke with chai spice and coconut) and “Mid Life Crisis” (Dr. Pepper with vanilla, cherry and fresh lime), the Pop Stop keeps customers on their toes while it keeps their bellies full. It has quickly become more than just a place for food and drink. It’s a beacon of connection and community spirit.

“It’s so much fun when a returning customer walks up and we know what they are going to order,” Susan says. “We have only been open since December, and people already have their favorites!”

The menu is carefully curated by chef Jacob Busby to ensure each item can be made quickly, since a portion of the shop’s customers are students coming over on their lunch break. Sandwiches are known as “Quick Bites,” including “Pop Pockets,” the Stop’s original take on an on-the-go snack. Aside from the homemade soups and refreshing fruit-based lemonades, some of the most popular offerings are “The Billy,” a play on the Philly cheese steak (but made in Billings) and “The Toasty Classic,” a ham, American and provolone cheese melt with candied bacon mayo.

And then there are the “pop-isms.” Susan says, “He always had these quirky sayings, like ‘Life isn’t always easy, but dogs love you and Pops probably has cookies.’” It’s clear that Pops’ spirit is felt in every corner of this booth, from the creatively named drinks and sandwiches to the focus on community outreach and service that is the cornerstone of the business.

On most days, you’ll find Susan manning the drive-through window. As general manager of the Pop Stop, she comes with an extensive background in the food service industry. When Dustin brainstormed with some friends about a new food and beverage venture, he knew that his mom was just the woman to help bring their vision to life.

“I mentioned to her that I felt like she had the skill set, but at first she wasn’t really interested,” Dustin says. “Somehow she changed her mind, and now she pours everything she has into it.” The respect between mother and son is clearly mutual as Susan adds, “I just really love people. I’m not much of a businesswoman, but Dustin is an entrepreneur and a dreamer.”

In a display of familiarity, they finish each other's sentences as they describe the true heart and mission behind the kiosk. Dustin begins, “We aren’t here to get rich … we want to be a part of the community” as Susan chimes in, “It’s important to us that our customers can get affordable treats for themselves and their families.”

Outreach and service provide a foundation for the new business, and Susan beams with pride as she describes donating gift cards to community groups, and the discount they offer students during both the lunchtime and after-school rush.

As spring shakes off the last remnants of winter and fades into summer, Susan and Dustin hope that the Pop stop becomes more than just a place for sweet treats, but a place where the community gathers. Quaint benches line the walkway in front of the kiosk, and plans for corn hole boards are in the works.

“We would love for it to become the go-to place in town, kind of like Sandee’s was for so long. We are on a busy street, but in a way, also right in everyone’s backyard,” Susan says.

Dustin is working with his team of partners to open additional locations in town, particularly near schools to better serve students in the community. They intentionally keep their prices low, born from their desire to make delicious, homemade food available to people from all walks of life. Dustin laughs that “born” may indeed be a fitting term to describe the budding business, as chef Busby frequently checks in to ask, “How’s the baby?”

Although still in its infancy, the Pop Stop has already become more than just a business for Susan, Dustin and all of their staff. It’s a living tribute to Larry and the love they shared as a family. As they continue to serve their community, they’re reminded daily of the importance of living like Pops and not taking things too seriously.

In every soda or sandwich served and in every smile exchanged, the Pop Stop carries forward the spirit of a man who was beloved by all. It’s a place where memories are made, where love is poured into every cup, and where space is made to honor a man who, in life, made everyone feel like they were part of his family.