Popbar, the maker of customizable popGelato, popSorbetto, and YogurtPops, founded in New York City in 2010, has opened its first North Carolina location in Charlotte at 3123 North Davidson St, Ste 102B. A grand opening celebration will be hosted by franchisees, Kia and Clarence Lyons, on January 7 to mark the special occasion. Pops will be 100 percent complimentary from noon to 3 p.m., and 50 percent off the rest of the day. Other festivities will include music, hot chocolate samples, and prizes like the chance to win free pops for a year.

Dedicated to serving “the best” in frozen treats, Popbar serves handcrafted gelato, sorbetto, and yogurt in a new way—on a stick.  All pops are made in-house daily with all natural ingredients. On the menu, you’ll find 40-plus rotating flavors ranging from classics (Chocolate, Vanilla) to the more unique (Green Tea, Passion Fruit), and even seasonal ones too (Watermelon, Pumpkin Pie). You can enjoy your pop as-is, or customize to your liking. Premium dippings and toppings include dark, milk, and white chocolate, nuts, sprinkles, waffle cone, caramel corn, and more.

At Popbar, a mouthwatering experience awaits everyone, even those looking for vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, and soy-free options. All popSorbettos are vegan-dairy-gluten-soy-free, and all popGelatos and yogurtPops are gluten-soy free. Other indulgences include Hot Chocolate on a Stick, Frozen Hot Chocolate, and the Double Shake, which is Popbar’s take on a milkshake, made with any two gelato or sorbetto pop.

All of this decadence can be attributed to Italian roots and a love for supremely delicious treats.  Blending authenticity, innovation, and high quality ingredients, Popbar became a recipe for success, and the contemporary concept has been changing the way we enjoy our favorite Italian desserts since—on an international scale.

Popbar currently has 11 stores in the U.S. in New York, California, Florida, and now North carolina, and 16 stores internationally in Canada, Russia, Japan, Korea, and Indonesia, but this is just the beginning. There are currently four stores under construction in new territories, and many more to come. Charlotte is the 15th Popbar to open this year and is located in the heart of the hip, lively NoDa neighborhood, which is home to the city’s arts and entertainment district.

“Charlotte is quickly becoming known for its fantastic food options, so we were excited to bring Popbar to the Queen City,” says franchisee, Kia Lyons. “We think the customizable, all-natural popGelato and vegan-friendly popSorbetto will complement the unique and growing food landscape in Charlotte.”

While Popbar is expanding rapidly, the brand maintains a ‘mom and pop’ feel at all locations with the help of its hand-selected franchisees. Each store prides itself on Popbar’s original values—superior quality, in-house production, outstanding service, authenticity, and community. New stores quickly become classic neighborhood spots, and supplies like fruit and milk are purchased locally.