Over the last 15 years, what started as an idea between brothers has become a nationally recognized company, identifiable by its rainbow umbrella. With over 100 popsicle carts in Atlanta and 300 stationed around the country, King of Pops has become a symbol for aspiring small businesses throughout the Southeast.
Steve and Nick Carse started their company in 2010. They began with one cart stationed in the parking lot of a gas station, and since then, Steve Carse says their company has grown larger than either of them could have imagined.
“The seed was planted during backpacking trips through Central America with my two older brothers,” Steve Carse said. “Then, we fell for paletas, fresh, vibrant ice pops made with real ingredients and bold flavors. After getting laid off during the recession, I decided I wanted to have a better story to tell. I took my savings and started selling pops out of a single cart in Atlanta. It was sweaty, scary and, somehow, the most fun I’d ever had.”0
Since then, Steve Carse and his brother have grown their company into what it is today, a process he says took years of dedication and commitment. He believes the company’s growth came from their ability to provide customers a unique experience.
“We started with one pushcart and a simple idea: serve people a really good popsicle and make the moment fun,” Steve Carse said. “Growth came step by step. We added more carts, built a kitchen and slowly expanded into wholesale and retail.”
The two brothers faced challenges in growing their business. From figuring out production efficiencies and costs, to adjusting to life during the pandemic, to managing seasonality, Steve Carse says flexibility and creativity are important.
“The way we got through obstacles was by staying creative, leaning on our team and listening to our community,¨ Steve Carse said. ¨When something wasn’t working, we tried to adjust quickly instead of being stuck on one way of doing things.”
While King of Pops has grown over the past fifteen years, the company values its initial principles. Steve Carse believes these values are one of the main reasons the company has been successful.
“Our values have grown over time, but some have been there since the beginning: Be Thoughtful, Get Sweaty, Good Vibes Only, Wear The Shirt, Stay Hungry and Get It Done,” Steve Carse said. “We believe work can be joyful, that community isn’t just a buzzword, and that doing things the right way is always worth it.”
At specific community events, King of Pops supports organizations by donating one dollar for every popsicle sold. The company has partnered with local schools, nonprofits and community groups. Steve Carse says he values being a positive part of the community because Atlanta is the company’s origin city and headquarters.
“Giving back is important because King of Pops wouldn’t exist without our community,” Steve Carse said. “Supporting the people and places that support us is part of our DNA. We like to say our purpose is to ‘create unexpected moments of happiness,’ and giving back is one of the most tangible ways we can do that.”
Sam Grim, a bartender at the Ponce City Market “Beach Bar” King of Pops location, said he appreciates the atmosphere the company has created in its stores.
“The King of Pops vibe is definitely fun,” Grim said. “It’s a good time; we always have lots of stuff going on and a lot of people.”
Grim says he enjoys getting to make connections through his job. Ponce City Market is constantly busy, and Grim says he has met locals and tourists through his work.
“I think the King of Pops’ values are working hard and finding unexpected moments of happiness every day,” Grim said. “I also love meeting people who come to buy a popsicle, and I love my co-workers. It’s an easy job, and I definitely enjoy it.”
Steve Carse said he looks for flavor inspiration everywhere he can, and many of their unique flavors have stories behind them.
“Our flavor inspiration comes from everywhere: travel, seasonal ingredients, late-night brainstorms and listening to what people are excited to try,” Steve Carse said. “We’ve made flavors with basil, beets, habanero peppers, cereal, Thai iced tea… the list goes on.”
Junior Sam Dempsey said he admires the King of Pops Business model. By setting up mobile carts in high-traffic areas, they’re able to get more business.
“Their business model is very interesting as they set up vendors everywhere, especially places like the beltline where you’ll want something ice cold and refreshing after a walk,” Dempsey said.
One Midtown cluster parent with elementary school children, Leah Matthews, said that King of Pops has become a staple in the community. She enjoys seeing their carts at events throughout the city.
“King of Pops has become such a staple in Atlanta,” Matthews said. “From festivals, to end-of-school events, birthday parties and beyond. In my family King of Pops has become synonymous with popsicles, just like Kleenex has for tissues.”
As King of Pops continues to grow and expand across the country, Steve Carse said he hopes the company will stick to its values and continue to give back to the community.
“Looking forward, we want to keep growing in a way that feels true to who we are,” Steve Carse said. “We’re expanding our franchise program so more people can bring King of Pops to their own neighborhoods. We’re also dreaming up new products and experiences that build on the fun of pops, from desserts to events like the Ice Pop World Championships. Long term, our goal is to keep deepening our impact: more smiles, more community connections and continuing to give away one million pops by 2033.”
