Would you like to add a healthy, frozen delicacy to your day to beat the incoming summer heat? Then go on down to Steel City Pops and treat yourself!

In spring of 2002, Owner Jim Watkins and family were in Nashville, Tenn. and came across “a unique shop called Las Paletas,” which sold what we Americans know as popsicles. The popsicles appeared as a palette of colors in a variety of flavors. After tasting their gourmet popsicles, Watkins decided to spread the word about the new popsicles.

Nine years later, Watkins was unhappy with his career choice thus far, and began learning what it took to be a restauranteur. With support from his family, detailed planning and preparation, and much taste-testing, Steel City Pops first emerged in May 2012 in Homewood, Ala. 

Now, two years later, Steel City Pops has expanded to much of the Birmingham, Ala. metropolitan area, as well as here in Dallas located on Lower Greenville.In addition, management plans to open up shop in Fort Worth. To read Jim Watkins’ story in its entirity, visit http://bubly.us/2gKR. 

Steel City Pops has created popsicles with great nutritional value. According to their website, their popsicles “are made in small batches from the freshest all-natural or certified organic ingredients, locally-harvested where possible.”

Their delicious desserts, or Beat-the-Heat snacks are strictly sweetened with “raw, organic cane sugar,” never using artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. All of their popsicles are gluten-free and vegetarian, a healthy alternative to many store-bought frozen desserts. 

The store regularly updates its flavors with the seasons and as new ideas roll through, so they urge their customers to check back often!

Employee Carly Boobar, a Plano resident who nonetheless makes the drive because she greatly enjoys her job, eagerly listed off the most popular flavors. “On the Creamy side, our best-sellers are Buttermilk, Coffee, and Chocolate. On the Fruity side, the most popular pops are Blood Orange, Strawberry, and Lemonade.” Although these may be the most popular, there are still many other to try such as Watermelon and Banana, or more exotic flavors such as Straweberry Balsamic, Pineapple Jalapeno, Chocolate Chili and Avocado. 

While adding a new palette of flavors to Lower Greenville and the surrounding communities, Steel City Pops also aims to give back to the community by partnering with “locally and globally minded charities.” 

The global charities are NeverThirst and Provid (pronounced like Provide). NeverThirst is an organization that aims to provide easily attainable and clean water to the people in third world and underdeveloped nations. In order to help invest in the NeverThirst mission, Steel City Pops stores sell Provid waters and donate the profits to NeverThirst. 

On a local basis, Steel City Pops has partnered up with Triumph Services and The Exceptional Foundation, both specific city-by-city groups. Triumph Services is an organization that helps “provide jobs for people with disabilities.” The Exceptional Foundation is “an organization where individuals with special needs can enjoy social and recreational activities.” During the Christmas season, Steel City Pops decorates its stores with stars made by their friends at The Exceptional Foundation.

In addition to selling delicious goodies that I crave daily, Steel City Pops also features a fine selection of color tee shirts and hats emblazoned with the Steel City Pops logo. Their hats and tees may be found either online or in stores. The company also sells guitar pics, coffee tumblers, baby clothes, and gift cards, based off a hole-punch concept. You may vistit their online store, here.

So, head on down to Steel City Pops! Enjoy a freshly made popsicle (fruity, creamy, or both) to help beat the heat!