There’s a popsicle stand coming to Main Gate Square — just in time for the warmer weather, too.
Peace, Love & Pops is the name and the brother-in-laws Scott Harrison and Jim Roberts are the minds behind the new popsicle shop opening up soon at 845 E. University Blvd.
The new spot is opening up in the former Sonoran Cycles space and as of late, the construction and the gettin’-things-going process has been moving along smoothly.
“Progress on the shop has really picked up in a big way in the last month or so,” said Harrison, co-owner. “We had to wait on a few key elements to fall into place and once that happened the floodgates opened.”
From Alabama to Arizona
The idea of opening up Peace, Love & Pops here in Tucson was inspired by an experience they had at a similar popsicle shop in Birmingham, Alabama.
“My wife and I lived in Birmingham from 2013 until January of 2021 and then moved to Tucson to be closer to her family,” said Harrison. “B’ham is a great food city with many talented chefs and cooks. As a result, there are also a lot of great, complimentary shops around town for desserts and other treats. My partner, Jim, is also my brother-in-law (we married sisters), and on a trip out to Alabama we took them to a local popsicle shop and they loved it.”
A menu that keeps its cool
Peace, Love & Pops is keeping it simple, too, and will only be serving popsicles, which will consist of up to 20 flavors at any given time. Oh, there will be plenty of free water as well to help you stay cool.
“There will be a ‘core menu’ of juice-based (strawberry, lime, etc.), cream-based pops (chocolate, cookies and cream, mocha, etc.). and we plan to rotate a number of seasonal, special event, and one-off flavors throughout the year,” said Harrison. “Our goal is freshness and to have our ingredients as locally sourced as possible.”
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The shop is also planning to partner with folks across Tucson for special events like festivals, concerts, and non-profit fundraisers, as well as support for local educational initiatives and other causes in the community.
“Once we get open we look forward to taking great care of our guests as they come into the shop,” said Harrison. “A great smile, an awesome spirit, a cool vibe in the shop, and a great popsicle for your friends and family.”
Stay tuned for an actual Grand Opening date, but just promise you’ll say “Let’s blow this popsicle stand” every time you exit the building.
Peace, Love & Pops is located at 845 E. University Blvd. For more information, visit peaceloveandpops.com or follow Peace, Love & Pops on Instagram.
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Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
