DELICIOUS

Ice is nice, but pops are precious Steel City Pops finally finds a home in Preston Hollow

By ELISSA CHUDWIN

DID YOU KNOW: The pops are made with locally sourced ingredients and mixed with lemon juice, water and organic cane sugar. They’re time-consuming, but not complicated, to produce, says general manager Jonathan Veazey.

Two Steel City Pops locations weren’t enough to satisfy Dallasites’ ravenous craving for ice pops, so the Alabama-based company opened its third store in our neighborhood this year.

Now, Preston Hollow residents can stop by Preston Royal Village for the sweet treats instead of driving across town to Lower Greenville or Casa Linda.

The center’s rapid redevelopment and neighboring homes made the shopping center an ideal spot, says general manager Jonathan Veazey. He and owner Jim Watkins hope the shop’s laid-back atmosphere makes it a community staple the kind of place where teens hang out together and families meet after their kids’ soccer games.

“I really feel like we’re the anti-chain,” Watkins says. “Any time we go into a place, we want to know the neighborhood and community.”

Watkins launched Steel City Pops in 2012 after he grew bored of life as a musician at an Alabama church. The past five years, he’s worked to maintain a partnership with local growers, expand the frozen empire and test out new flavors.

Unconventional pops like pineapple jalapeno and hibiscus were deemed delicious enough to make the menu, although other flavors, such as honey and brie, were disastrous.

“So many things have been awful, but that’s part of the creative process,” he says. “If you don’t have failure, then you’re not pushing yourself hard enough.”

Steel City Pops

Ambiance: Quaint and casual

Price Range: $3-$8

Hours: Noon-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, noon-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday 6025 Royal Lane, suite 105 972.556.5292 steelcitypops.com

BREAKFAST/LUNCH

Cindi’s N.Y. Delicatessen Restaurant & Bakery

Celebrating 27 years serving the community. Southern-style comfort food and New York style deli favorites ready for you every day. Open 7 days.

5 Dallas locations cindisnydeli.com