Urban Sips And Sweets – Gourmet Sodas, Shaved Ice and Lots of Yum
Article by Ashley Hendel of @foodiesoffranklintn
Photography by Ashley Hendel
Originally published in Franklin Lifestyle
The Factory recently got a little sweeter with the new addition of the bubbly and irresistible Urban Sips. Founded by Brad and Holly Lauritzen, Urban Sips began in 2017 out of nostalgia. As a child, Holly enjoyed going to shaved ice stands with her father. These fond memories led the Lauritzens to create Urban Sips.
Sips and Sweets were first served out of a food trailer in Texas. In 2020, they expanded to Granite Bay, CA. After falling in love with Franklin, TN during a weekend trip, they closed the Texas location and turned their efforts to a brick and mortar location in The Factory. Urban Sips is a family run business at its core as Holly and Brad’s sons are also involved in the business with hopes of becoming entrepreneurs themselves.
“The real magic happens when customers create their own gourmet soda! It’s called The DIY-er (a nod to our roots at @ourfauxfarmhouse).” Gourmet sodas were a last-minute addition to the menu after Holly’s favorite soda shop stopped doing drive-thru and, “she needed her soda fix… and fast!” Brad jokes. He continues, “Oh, and the shaved ice… this ain’t your ballpark snow cone. This is the fluffiest, softest ice you’ll ever try.” And, after first hand experience, I can say it is!
Five “Must Tries:”
• Dreamsicle Gourmet Soda – Light orange and vanilla flavors. (My favorite!)
• Galaxy Gourmet Soda – Berry delicious and beautiful.
• Rainbow Shave Ice – Tropical and colorful.
• Butter Beer Shave Ice – Creamy caramel and butterscotch combination.
• Peppermint Hot Cocoa – A hint of the holidays.
The Bottom Line
Urban Sips is simply… refreshing! It is a welcomed new experience at The Factory and one you should be prepared to go back to again and again. Your sweet tooth and taste buds will thank you!
