Soda jerk (or soda jerker) is the name for the person—typically specific to youths—who works the soda fountain in a drugstore. Unlike with today's soda fountains that automatically mix the drink, a soda jerk had the job of measuring a drink's worth of syrup and then mixing it with soda water to create the drink. The term is somewhat archaic these days, as there are very few drugstores that still serve ice cream and soda.

Some modern theme diners are styled after establishments from the 50's and include an actual soda jerk, along with standard jukeboxes and booth seating.

Food services occupations