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It’s been just under a year since Elizabeth and Maggie Pryor began selling their line of artisanal popsicles, but soon, Chill Pop Shop will graduate from the Cleveland Culinary Launch & Kitchen to a retail store.

“I think it helps that popsicles are pretty timeless — that they seem to appeal to every demographic,” Elizabeth says about her company’s fast success.

After a months-long hunt, the co-owners landed on a space on E. 185th Street, which currently is home to Fears Confections (which is relocating, not closing). Not only did the 2,500-square-foot space tick most of the company’s requirements, but the neighborhood in general seemed a great fit.

“We wanted to stay in Cleveland proper, but also felt really strongly about being part of a neighborhood that wasn’t already totally saturated but still reemerging,” adds Elizabeth. “We wanted to be part of a neighborhood redevelopment.”

The expanded footprint will allow the Pryors to focus on both retail and wholesale business, ramping up production of their healthy, creative twists on popsicles. Chill Pops are made only with fresh fruit — no syrups, additives or preservatives. The creamy pops are made with grass-fed dairy.

“That’s why we call it dessert without the guilt,” she says.

When completed in mid- to late-summer, the shop will sport an “updated classic look.”

Down the road, the Pryors hope to open a number of walk-up-style venues in various neighborhoods, where they can sell directly to their fans without all the overhead of running a full retail shop.

This article appears in Jun 4-10, 2014.

For 25 years, Douglas Trattner has worked as a full-time freelance writer, editor and author. His work as co-author on Michael Symon's cookbooks have earned him four New York Times Best-Selling Author honors, while his longstanding role as Scene dining editor has garnered awards of its own.

6 replies on “Chill Pop to Open Bricks-and-Mortar Shop in E. 185th Neighborhood”

  3. These broads won’t last a year. You can’t earn a living peddling popsicles. As a lender, I wouldn’t give them a nickel. This should be kept a hobby.

  4. Fortunately Hidalgeo Z, those BROADS probably wouldn’t WANT a nickel from you. Since you seem like a complete bastard.

  6. Hidelgeo – Let’s be honest here, you don’t have 2 nickels to rub together. it’s pretty clear you aren’t able to grasp what a trendy concept these girls have. They going to make a lot of money. Think about what the margin on a popsicle is pal.

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