King of Pops is set to celebrate the World Cup with a unique twist. Located on Decatur Street, the company is introducing a special lineup of frozen treats inspired by various nations competing in Atlanta. This concept merges culinary innovation with cultural appreciation, marking the beginning of summer and one of the world’s most anticipated sporting events.
A Global Flavor Adventure
King of Pops plans to launch eight exclusive popsicle flavors, each representing one of the teams participating in Atlanta, along with a special Team USA flavor. Over the three-week production period, they anticipate creating around 70,000 international flavors and an additional 40,000 flavors for Team USA. The rollout kicks off in mid-May with flavors celebrating Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Haiti, and Cabo Verde, with each popsicle priced around $5 at the South Downtown location.
Co-founder Steve Carse’s journey into the popsicle business began in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis when he, along with his brothers, decided to turn a dream into a reality. “After being laid off from AIG, my brothers and I wanted to create something meaningful together,” Carse recalls. Inspired by the paletas his brother, an anthropologist, discovered in Latin America during fieldwork, what began as a fleeting idea has flourished into a thriving business.
Cultural Research and Flavor Development
The team’s approach to crafting the World Cup flavors is rooted in extensive cultural research and culinary creativity. They examined restaurant menus, culinary traditions, and even tapped into online communities like Reddit to brainstorm flavors that could resonate with the countries represented. Co-founder and head of product development, Jessica Luna, explains the urgency of the project, working with limited information initially. “With only seven confirmed teams when we started, we had to act fast,” she says.
Their research involved a blend of digital sourcing and culinary experimentation, seeking out popular desserts and local ingredients. Luna recalls the process of discovering the right flavors through trial and error, culminating in standout creations like the Tinto de Verano pop, highlighting Georgia muscadine grapes, and the exotic Saudi Arabia flavor, which features tahini—a bold and unexpected choice that turned out to be a crowd favorite.
Crafting Pops with Purpose
The team follows a “flavor pyramid” that categorizes pops from familiar to adventurous. Multiple rounds of tastings ensure that each flavor strikes the right balance for sweetness, acidity, and how well it represents its respective culture. Carse aims for these popsicles to foster a deeper connection than mere novelty. He believes in creating memorable experiences that link the taste of their pops with the excitement of the games.
In addition to the popsicle offerings, King of Pops will open a cart in South Downtown during the tournament and will establish locations at Piedmont Park, Avalon in Alpharetta, and Ponce City Market. Although they won’t be stationed inside the stadiums, they plan to join in on various watch parties throughout the metro area. The excitement extends beyond just the flavors: fans who collect all the pops will enter a contest for a commemorative scarf, and two tickets to a World Cup semifinal match will also be up for grabs.
For Carse and his team, the World Cup flavors symbolize much more than just an opportunity to promote their brand; they represent a chance to connect globally through the universal language of food. “We put a lot of love into these creations,” Luna shares. “We can’t wait for everyone to taste what we’ve made.” With this innovative take on a beloved frozen treat, King of Pops is gearing up to offer a refreshing and memorable experience this summer.