Lisa DiDonato, Owner Of Pikes Peak Lemonade Co.
I came across the Pikes Peak Lemonade Company while spending a day walking through downtown Colorado Springs. The beautiful and welcoming aesthetic of the shop pulled me in, the friendly and talkative barista made it easy to stay, and the lavender Italian soda made me want to come back for more.
My culinary background always shines through when I find new and interesting ways to present the “ordinary”. Something as simple as lemonade and soda suddenly has infinite ways to become something original and unique, setting PPL apart from the classic lemonade and drink shops. Not only are their flavor options rarely accessible but they value where the ingredients come from; and in the food industry this makes all the difference in your product, while giving a subtle nod of appreciation to all the farmers that prioritize organic and sustainable farming.
Through reading Lisa’s interview, you realize that her business is more than just a place to rehydrate. With such a strong emphasis of community throughout her words she shows how local businesses can support their communities just as much as communities support small businesses. PPL is also a great example of how running a small business can push you to new heights in your personal life, turning your businesses into a valuable resource to spread positivity about your passions. Lisa and her husband’s passion for the foster and adoption system turned into a hands on approach through donations and fundraising events, something not easily done without an amazing community around your small business.
I am thankful that Lisa took the time to share the story of her business, and this once again shows her ongoing support for the small business community.
Your name & business name. Where is your business located?
Lisa DiDonato, Pikes Peak Lemonade Co.-Colorado Springs
Tell me about your brand:
We are a local, small business that started out with a lemonade stand serving at Farmers Markets. We serve our lemonade in reusable mason jars with paper straws. Our brand always uses real fruit, real lemon juice and organic cane sugar. Never artificial colors or high fructose corn syrup!
What does your business do/provide?
Aside from our delicious drinks, we strive to provide an excellent experience to our customer base, every time they enter the store!
What do you feel sets you and your business apart from others?
Our attention to detail sets us apart from others. Also, our creativity in our products! For instance, we offer seasonal flavors as well as unique gift boxes. We are soon introducing our Garden Box that includes: Beet Lemonade, Dandelion Lemonade and Carrot Ginger!
What is your business’s backstory? How and why did you start your business?
We started our business as a way to be involved in the local, Colorado Springs community. Jumping in on the Farmer's Market community gave us the opportunity to learn the culture as we'd just moved here from Grand Jct. We wanted an alternative to coffee drinks (tho I LOVE coffee!) and offer a healthful option besides soda.
What are the driving passions and morals for you and your business?
Our passions are, not only delicious and creative drinks, but to offer a creative and joyful visit to our store. We strive to make everyone feel comfortable in our space and excited, sometimes nostalgic, about their purchases. We focus on honest, authentic ingredients as well as environmentally sustainable products when possible.
What do you think really put your business on the map?
Colorado Springs is extremely supportive of small business and they showed up in mass to support us when we opened up downtown. During the pandemic, we were able to pivot, and quickly make changes in our business structure, to safely and efficiently serve our community. We're thankful that we were able to consistently keep our employees going and the shop moving forward.
What are the most gratifying parts and most challenging parts of being a business owner?
The most gratifying part of our owner's experience is cultivating a healthy relationship with our team members. They've grown along with us as the business has grown and become a solid staple of the PPL experience. We couldn't do it without them!
It's been a challenge to deal with supply chain issues. Once again, our motto through 2020-2021 was definitely Hustle & Pivot.
What is your favorite memory of running your business?
It's humbling to look back 8 years when we were setting up our tent and lemonade stand in the parks and parking lots for Farmer's Markets. It was a great time, but I'm thankful that we no longer have to do that every weekend!
How has your background/ life story played a role in who you are today?
My husband and I met at our first job back in 1982. Since then, we've worked several jobs and operated several businesses together. This has definitely played a role in who we are as well as what we do today.
What is one accomplishment you are most proud of in terms of your business?
We are now in the position to offer franchising opportunities to others. We've worked very hard to reach this goal, and are excited to introduce other entrepreneurs into the PPL family. We'd love to share our products with other areas in the community and statewide. More information at https://www.pikespeaklemonade.com/franchise
Is there someone or something you would like to thank or give credit to for your business ventures?
Colorado Springs has a passion for supporting small, local businesses. We're thankful for the support they've shown throughout the years. The support through covid was amazing and the community sincerely shows up to continue to celebrate the growth with us.
Small businesses are the building blocks for a strong community. What are your favorite things to do, see, or share in your community?
I would say that in my off-time, my favorite things to do in our community are hiking and enjoying our open spaces, and visiting local coffee shops!
Social Links, Contact Information, Location
https://www.instagram.com/pikes_peak_lemonade/
224 N Tejon, Colorado Springs
https://www.tiktok.com/@pikespeaklemonade
https://www.facebook.com/PikesPeakLemonade
A Word From The Owner:
We have a passion for the foster/adoption system and a strong desire to support adoptive parents in the process as well as supporting birth parents. PPL has helped financially on both sides through donations and fund-raising events.
