by Jeff Hughlett | photos by Justin Fox Burks and Bob Bayne
Founded in 2015 by Chris Taylor, Mempops started with one cart going from festival to festival, event to event. It didn’t take long for folks to take notice and begin to crave the latest sweet treats on the block. Their fruit- and cream- based ingredients are sourced from local farmers when it’s seasonally available, and their creativity and desire to try new recipes know no bounds.
Flavors run the gamut of taste ranging from hibiscus lemonade to strawberries and cream, toasted marshmallow to apple cranberry. They will also try combinations not for the faint of heart including their new pickle pop, which came about from an April Fool’s joke gone badly. Fan favorites include the Arnold Palmer, chocolate fudge and strawberry lemonade. They even have pops for dogs. Not to mention their wide array of fun and Memphis- centric t-shirts and swag they sell at each store location.
“It’s been an incredible run so far and I still feel like we are just getting started,” said Owner Chris Taylor. “2019 will be our best year yet.”
With three brick-and-mortar stores already, one in East Memphis, Crosstown and Collierville, the Mempops brand is expanding to Summer Avenue this spring with a production center to help them field the growing demand for their delicious pops. The goal is to also be able to host events and show fans the behind-the-scenes operations of their favorite dessert.
Mempops is also actively involved in the community by collecting tips for a designated monthly charity. Charities supported usually receive donations upwards of $2,500. They also give back at special events and other functions. In 2018, Mempops helped raise more than $35,000 for local charities and schools in the area. Their goal is support every non-profit in the city and then start the cycle over again. So far, Mempops has supported St. Jude, Playback Memphis, The National Civil Rights Museum to name a few.
Since their founding, Mempops has been finding its groove in new ways every day. Mempops is available for business functions, church and school events, festivals and more as well. And they will work with anyone with any budget to make their event work for them.
In the end, Mempops is family run, kid-friendly enterprise that cares about Memphis and prides itself in serving the entire community. Just take a look at their social media and you will want to head over to one of their conveniently located stores and treat yourself.
For more information about Mempops and their current locations, or to book them for your next event, contact mempops901@gmail.com.
