Written by Claudia Cisneros
Photo by Quint Scott
Strolling into Savannah Square Pops, customers were charmed by the bubbly and lively atmosphere of the store, with its burst of colors and the many lanterns decorating the ceiling inviting them in.
Founded by Royce Patrick, Tara Hart and Judd Wiggins, the budding popsicle shop is bringing a new kind of treat to the Savannah community.
“I think Savannah had a multitude of ice cream shops and kind of dessert treats but not gourmet ice pops, so I thought we could bring a little bit to the table,” said Hart.
Located at 347 Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, it’s just a short walking distance from most SCAD dormitories. With 22 unique homemade popsicles, the biggest challenge might be deciding which flavor to try first.
A unique feature about their treats is that they are all named after one of Savannah’s historic squares. Flavors such as the Ellis Square Pop (Buttermilk), Wright Square Pop (Watermelon-Kiwi) and, Harts’ and Wiggin’s personal favorite, The Pulaski Square Pop (Chocolate & Pretzel covered Salted Caramel) are among the long list of flavors.
Hart described them by saying the popsicles all have, “A little flavor, a little zest, a little personality.”
The idea of gourmet popsicles sprouted from a desire for a new adventure. The partners in this triangle–Royce Patrick, Tara Hart and Judd Wiggins–were all looking for something different, something that would bring them happiness, but also spread that happiness to others.
Patrick was the first of the bunch, having traveled down to Savannah from Birmingham, Alabama. He began by setting up two restaurants. And upon seeing Patrick’s success in Savannah, Wiggins was convinced by Patrick to join him in creating a very different kind of popsicle.
The three put their careers on pause, moved to Savannah and began brainstorming ideas for their future establishment. After much thought, they came up with the name Savannah Square Pops and the diverse flavors they have today.
“It’s frightening to start a new adventure at my age and it’s completely something separate from my previous career, being an attorney, so yeah it was freaking scary,” said Wiggins
But they have a positive mindset and are determined to bring lots to their new community. And the community welcomed them with open arms, coming out to the grand opening to show their support.
“There are good days and there are bad days–don’t get me wrong–but for the most part we look very forward to the future of Savannah Square Pops because there is so much potential!” said Hart.
“Come see us, you won’t believe it until you try!” said Wiggins.
“That’s what everybody says,” chimes in Hart. “They will never believe how good they are ’til you try them, and that is the truth.”
For more information on Savannah Square Pops visit their Facebook page.
