If you’re an Atlanta local, chances are you’ve heard of King of Pops. But do you know the brand’s origin story? What started with a couple thousand bucks, a used ice cream pushcart, and a whole lot of luck has grown into a beloved business across the Southeast.

The vibrant, community-focused brand began with a simple idea: to bring people together over a refreshing, handcrafted treat. After being laid off from his job in 2010, Co-Founder Steve Carse decided to pursue a dream inspired by his Latin American travels. Teaming up with his brother Nick, the duo began slinging pops from a pushcart in the City. But these weren’t just any popsicles – they were made from high-quality, fresh, and locally sourced ingredients, which quickly set King of Pops apart from anything else on the market. Customers resonated with the brand’s commitment to using simple, natural ingredients and the business took off, expanding into multiple cities.

Despite this growth, King of Pops remains true to its roots and mission to create Unexpected Moments of Happiness (UMOHs) in everything it does. Striving to make a positive impact on the communities it serves, the brand connects with people through products, events, partnerships, and charitable initiatives, like the Pop Art program that supports local artists.

Today, the company continues expanding its offerings, now including catering services, pop-up bars, and even a farm where it grows certain ingredients. We caught up with Steve to get the inside scoop behind this popular Atlanta-born business. Check out the conversation below and be sure to catch KOP’s feature on our Instagram too.

Can you share how King of Pops got started?

King of Pops got started in 2010 after a series of trips with my two brothers throughout Latin America. My oldest brother, Ashley, an anthropologist and amazing tour guide, introduced us to ‘paletas,’ a frozen treat similar to the popsicles we’re familiar with in the U.S., but made with fresh fruits, creative flavor combinations, and a wide variety of options.

Not long after those trips, I was laid off from my job and decided to take a leap. I wanted a story to tell and felt like I didn’t have much to lose. We started selling our pops from a tiny pushcart in Poncey-Highlands, and people began to show up. Soon, A LOT of people started to show up. Somehow, we had stumbled upon a real business opportunity. The support from our community helped King of Pops grow from a single cart into a regional brand with hundreds of carts, bars, and even the King of Crops farm.

Where do you draw inspiration for your pop flavors?

We draw inspiration for our pop flavors from the food trends around us. Our culture, the latest fads, seasonal ingredients, and local produce spark new ideas. We love getting creative with different combinations and are constantly inspired by the vibrant flavors we encounter in unexpected ways.

Our community and customers are also a major source of inspiration, often suggesting unique and exciting flavors. Our goal is to craft pops that are both delicious and surprising, delivering Unexpected Moments of Happiness with every bite.

What’s your favorite part about operating a business at Colony Square?

The marketing team at Colony Square calls it ‘Midtown’s Living Room,’ and it truly is. We’re proud to be a part of The Square because it brings together a unique mix of locals who live in the heart of the city and folks visiting for the first time. People are there to have fun, and we hope to amplify that experience with something new and fresh during their visit.

Talk to us about UMOHs and your goal to create 1 million of them by 2033. 

Creating Unexpected Moments of Happiness, or UMOHs, is at the heart of what we do at King of Pops. We feel the world could use more kindness, especially since genuine, selfless acts are becoming rare. Our goal is to share 1 million UMOHs through our pops, with the singular goal of spreading joy… nothing else.

Through these acts of kindness, we believe UMOHs will create a ripple effect, extending beyond the people we directly serve. Just one pop could lead to a brighter day for hundreds of people, proving that small acts of kindness can have a far-reaching impact.

What makes your Colony Square store unique compared to your other Atlanta locations?

It features our full menu, including all the pop flavors we have in stock, pop-tails (cocktails paired with the perfect pop), slushies, and our soft serve made with dairy from Working Cow Farm –– which in my opinion, is the best dairy in the South. It’s the perfect spot to grab a treat, sit outside in The Plaza, and do some people watching.