Q & A with Popbar | Frozen Desserts, Social Media and Branding: Part I
I was lucky enough to sit down for a Q&A with one of Popbar’s founders; Reuben BenJehuda to indulge myself in some of the techniques the chain has used to gain a loyal and returning consumer base. It is rare to walk by a Popbar without a line outside the door; I was hoping to gain knowledge on some of Reuben’s best practices.
Popbar is a one-of-a-kind frozen dessert shop, serving up unique, creative masterpieces to each customer. Popbar has found great success using social media, specifically Instagram, as a method of free advertising to spread the word on the newest dessert fascination.
The following Q&A surrounds the topics of social media success, branding, and the company mission that is behind Popbar’s iconic treats. This is Part I of our series with Popbar, please join us again to learn more industry tips and tricks from Reuben!
Q: So, why “Popbar?”
A: When asked why we named the company Popbar, it is because it can mean and remind people of so many things- PopArt, pop music, bars, etc. The common denominator in all of these words is that they are iconic. It works because Popbar is very nostalgic (our pops remind our customers of their youth) and very innovative at the same time, because of our display and customizations. Therefore, people are sure to remember Popbar, to think about it’s colorful, all natural, gluten free gelato and sorbetto on a stick, quite often.
Q: When you think of “Popbar” as a brand—what are the first three words that come to mind?
A:
1.Customization 2.All natural 3.Delicious(ness on a stick)
Q: If someone has never heard of “Popbar”, what are the 5 things you would want them to know about your product?
A:
1.Our treats are made in house with all natural ingredients and never contain artificial coloring and flavors and preservatives. 2.Our popbars can be customized to the customer’s liking. Customers choose between popGelato and popSorbetto, decide on Poppings, and have their popbars dipped in one of our chocolates. Customers can let their Popologist know if they would like their popbars Half Dipped, Fully Dipped, Drizzled, or Dipped and Drizzled! The combinations are endless. 3.We keep those with allergies and dietary restrictions in mind! All of our treats are gluten free and those who are vegan can enjoy our popSorbetto popbars with Dark Chocolate Dipping! 4.Popbar has a cold weather treat, too! Popbar’s Hot Chocolate on a Stick is a cube of Milk, Dark, or Vanilla White Chocolate which when stirred into warm milk transforms into a rich, creamy cup of hot chocolate. Perfect for chilly fall and blustery winter nights! 5.Popbar has gone global! Popbar locations can now be found in the United States (New York and California), Canada, Mexico, Indonesia, South Korea, Japan, and Russia. Be sure to check out pop-bar.comto see where we open next!
Q: PopBar, (via your website), claims, “Our vision is to make Popbar iconic everwhere!” What makes Popbar iconic?
A: First, I would say that Popbar is iconic because of our visual. Our Popaholics (devoted customers) choose what they want to eat with their own eyes. No one orders from a menu or waits to get served. Customizations are happening right in front of their eyes. Our popGelato and popSorbetto on our stick can be Dipped and Topped with our many chocolate Dippings and unique Poppings such as Waffle Cone and Caramel Corn. All of our desserts are on a signature popbar stick, and it doesn’t get more iconic than that. It’s all about the DIY experience for our Popaholics!
Q: It is clear that Popbar has taken advantage of social media outlets as a means of free marketing. How important has Instagram and the hash tag #popbar played in your growth?
A: Instagram has been one of our most successful marketing and advertising tools. Instagram allows us to reach those who may not live near a Popbar location and expose them to what Popbar is all about. They will then be familiar with the concept when spotting a Popbar location while on vacation or hearing about Popbar opening near where they live. Instagram and the hash tag #popbar also gives us the chance to show our followers how many popbar combinations they can truly create- our Popaholics do that job for us by sharing photos of their myPops and tagging them with #popbar. Again, we are a lot about visuals so our concept goes hand in hand with Instagram.
Q: Your product has been photographed and uploaded to Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat… you name the social platform—did you create Popbar with the hopes that photography would be a major outlet of word of mouth marketing?
A: When we began professionally photographing our frozen treats for Popbar’s debut we realized how photogenic our popbars truly are. We had a hunch that Popaholics are going to enjoy taking photos of their creations and sharing them with friends. Our prediction was right! Some Popaholics get so excited by what they are seeing that they may even take a photo, share with friends and/or their Instagram followers, and only then chow down. This practice definitely helped our growth.
Q: You guys call it “POP ART,” many of us would call it word of mouth marketing. How (if at all) have you promoted customers to use their smartphones to take and share pictures via Social media outlets, especially Instagram and Twitter? If you did not promote this practice, did you engineer your product to be photo-worthy and eye catching or was this a natural and inseperable phemonena that came about after the company’s inception?
A: We created an iconic giant size pop that hangs in each one of locations, as an invite to take photos. On the stick, instead of the word ‘Popbar’, we actually put the location name. That’s a direct invite for Popaholics to take photos and post them.
Furthermore, signage with the QR codes, which when scanned lead to the official Popbar social media pages, are hung in the most visible spots in each of our stores to promote Popbar’s social media pages. We also run contests and giveaways a few times a year, which are promoted, in stores as well as on our social media pages. Often Popaholics must be following our social media pages in order to find out about or enter these contests.
You May Also Enjoy
Plan ahead for success during the Memorial Day weekend by strategically ordering, collaborating with suppliers, and taking advantage of holiday-spe...
Sporting events can increase revenue for restaurants through increased foot traffic, higher sales of food and beverages, and potential for repeat b...
Vegetarian restaurants promote sustainability and healthy dining through technology, diverse plant-based options, and support for local farmers. Th...
In a fast-food world that’s increasingly focused on speed and convenience, Drive Thrus are becoming more popular.
A seasonal restaurant menu has many advantages, but the top four are listed here.
With employee management software you can keep tabs on your team and your payroll without driving yourself crazy.
Digital signage has come a long way since tube-lit marquees. Here’s how its new avatars can raise restaurant revenue.
While the game is the main attraction of Super Bowl Sunday, the delicious food that is enjoyed is a close runner-up.
The last thing you’d expect a Wifi system to do is build brand loyalty, but it can. This article tells you how.
Catering is a great way to expand your business, particularly when you serve your own neighborhood.
Show your customers a good time this Valentine’s Day by making sure everything is on point. Here’s what to focus on.
If you haven’t heard of Angel Shots, it’s time to catch up. They’re not Liquor Shots, but you should be serving them.
Are you looking for a food handler course to help you get ahead in the food industry? Here are five of the best ones.
A survey carried out by Piper Sandler revealed that Chick-fil-A is considered a favorite by Gen Z. The survey is packed with information about Gen ...
The announcement by Capital Tacos comes just two months after the Tex Mex restaurant chain announced plans to start a franchise program. This initi...
Following the incredible success of their Happy Meals for kids, McDonald’s recently announced the launch of the Happy Meal for adults. What goes in...
New technologies are emerging that are transforming the food industry, making it more efficient, sustainable, and safe. Here are the some of the mo...
Olive Garden’s Never Ending Pasta Bowl brought back for the 25th anniversary of the deal and priced at $13.99, is valid only till November 20, 2022...
Reef Technology, the kitchen brand company, recently lost a number of partners such as Burger King, Popeyes, Jack in the Box, and Del Taco. The com...
Some of the most loved and iconic restaurant chains in the United States have shut down hundreds of locations over the last few years. Subway and R...
The pizza chain is offering patrons who order the burger till October 31 a free 7-inch pizza that can be redeemed on their next visit. The burger w...
Chipotle Mexican Grill is required to pay nearly $8 million in labor law violations. This is the second case regarding child labor laws violations ...
Texas Roadhouse is the latest to join the growing number of restaurants that have created and sold merchandise as a way to engage with customers. T...
Several struggling pizza chains, such as Pie Five and Pizza Inn, are bouncing back with greater gusto to reclaim their share of the market! Many ha...
The new plant-based Carne Asada steak by Taco Bell in collaboration with Beyond Meat is the first of its kind in the quick service industry. The pr...
Move over, full-sized cocktails. It’s time to make way for their mini counterparts. That’s right, mini cocktails are the big new bar fad, and for g...
Panera is testing automated voice ordering at two of its restaurants in Upstate New York. Panera is only one of the many in the food and beverage i...
Raphael Perrier, co-founder of Kahwa Coffee Roaster, has stated that the expansion plan through franchise has been in the works for five years and ...
Before the Seattle deal was announced at the end of August, the California-based grilled chicken chain, El Pollo Loco, also announced plans to expa...
Virtual brand MrBeast Burger, helmed by YouTuber Jimmy Donaldson, who runs a channel by the same name on the video-sharing platform, set up its fir...
If you’re planning on giving your restaurant an overhaul, here are some design ideas to make your space more inviting and efficient. Your business ...
Donut giant Krispy Kreme is positive about the success of its hub-and-spokes model and believes that it will continue to grow. Its stock prices rec...
The legendary Taco Bell and the New York-based dessert company, Milk Bar, have joined forces to create the all-new Strawberry Bell Truffle. Milk Ba...
After a complete revamp of the menu, Subway is now planning to set up automatic meat slicers at all 22,000 of its locations over the course of a ye...
New to the foodservice industry? About to launch your own business? Grab one of the books on this list, sit back with a cup of coffee, and learn th...
There are few things more fun for a food enthusiast than exploring different museums dedicated to this delicious subject. Here are five of the most...
Everyone’s talking about California’s new fast food legislation and what it could spell for the foodservice industry, both in and out of the state....
Paris Baguette’s French-inspired baked goods and desserts are taking America by storm. The South Korean bakery chain has announced expansion plans,...
As more and more consumers turn to a healthier lifestyle, fast food chains have upgraded their salad menus to offer lighter and greener options whi...
The new verification process by DoorDash, the delivery app, requires drivers to determine if the customer is intoxicated or not. It has now raised ...
Amazon has been bullish on its food delivery expansion for a few years now. Back in 2019, it sought to build its own cost-intensive food delivery p...
With edible cutlery, you can cut food safety risks and save costs at the same time. What’s more, these spoons and plates are not just environmental...
Piestro is changing the future of pizza making with their sleek and intuitive automated robots! Check out what these high-tech machines look like a...
After the success of the Fancy Like’ campaign, Applebee is now rebranding itself as a music-oriented brand that is affordable and convenient. It is...
The flexitarian diet has been gaining popularity as more and more people are looking to reduce their meat consumption. Here’s the lowdown on this d...
If you hate waiting in line for your food, here’s some good news. A new type of food delivery system could be coming to a restaurant near you, and ...
Chipotle’s investment in research for innovative tech highlights the growth of AI tech in the restaurant industry. There are many great outcomes to...
with as many great up and coming chefs as America, it can be hard to keep track of who’s who. But if there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s th...
In the quick service restaurant industry, it is often the young men and women who are taking their business to the next level. Here are ten rising ...
We’ve all been to a restaurant and had to wait an eternity for our food. Well, what if there were robots that could bring us our food? That’s right...
Food lockers are becoming increasingly popular as a food delivery option. Here’s how they work- customers order food from their favorite restaurant...
The cold brew coffee has been gaining popularity recently. It has become a staple in today’s menu. In this article we dive in-depth to know more ab...
Mobile apps are the new business card. They provide your brand with instant recognition and awareness, which helps you communicate more effectively...
Tackling climate change is crucial and one way is to reduce carbon emissions. The food and beverage sector will see more demand in the future. Henc...
As the food truck industry continues to grow, it’s important to make sure your business is successful. Food trucks have risen in popularity in the ...
A growing number of restaurants and commercial food retailers are adopting new technology to make their operations smoother. It also means an incre...
If you’re a restaurant owner, you know that one of the most important things is to retain your patrons and one way to do that is to offer subscript...
As the restaurant industry continues to face challenges, many are looking at subscription models as a way forward. Let’s look at how restaurants ar...
Are you looking for employees you need to hire? Are you finding it difficult to bring in the candidates you need? Check out these five secrets to h...
The world is facing a food wastage problem. Every year, over 1.3 billion tons of of food is wasted and it’s costing the global economy billions of ...
As the United States grapples with the issue of abortion, restaurants across the country are responding to the Roe v. Wade decision. There are many...
The restaurant industry is constantly evolving and changing. New trends in restaurant technology are always emerging that can help restaurant owner...
NFTs and cryptocurrency can do a lot for restaurants. They can help with marketing, loyalty programs, and even payments.
There have been some considerable permanent changes in the restaurant industry has been one of the hardest hit by the pandemic. Indoor dining and i...
Triggered by the pandemic, two years of continuous turmoil across industries has led to an acute labor shortage. It isn’t good news. But there’s ho...
If you’re like most businesses, you’re always looking for ways to reduce costs. But what if we told you that there’s a way to reduce labor costs by...
There are many hurdles that keep restaurant chains from becoming the employer of choice. Ranging from the negative connotations to lack of personal...
Keeping your hourly employees happy and productive is a constant challenge for any business. So, to help keep your staff satisfied and loyal, here ...
Business model slides showcase a startup’s marketing and financial strategy to investors so funding can be obtained. Read more about the slides to ...
Acquiring funding from third-party investors is required for startups and small companies. Here are 8 creative ways to gain funding for business gr...
Business risk impacts each organization if there is no enterprise risk management plan in place to mitigate disruption. Here are the 7 types of bus...
Restaurants and grocers can reduce food costs and increase revenue by following a set of best practices. Here are the top tips to decrease food cos...
Work time is very valuable. Employee time theft occurs when workers steal time, money, or information. Here is an overview of employee time theft a...
Speed of service is the amount of time it takes a restaurant to serve its diners. By following the best practices to improve speed, more sales can ...
Businesses need to streamline operations and eliminate inefficiencies to achieve operational effectiveness. Here are the best practices to optimize...
Digital signage kiosks provide interactive experiences for the customer, and offer a unique way for companies to analyze information, build brand a...
Restaurant forecasting software collects data from historical and real-time transactions to detect future sales patterns and predict potential outc...
Developing a well-defined restaurant organization strategy will ensure that perishable goods, like meat and produce, are properly stocked and food ...
Restaurant loyalty programs reward members for visiting and making purchases, improving customer engagement, foot traffic, and sales.
Electronic menu boards provide ample opportunities for restaurants to improve sales and draw in consumers through impressionable visuals, board tem...
Perishable goods, such as produce, dairy products, and raw meats, require proper transportation methods that will guarantee their freshness.
Food supply chain visibility improves inventory management and optimizes relationships with customers. Here is an overview of visibility benefits f...
An optimized food management system allows operators to streamline inventory management, logistics, and prevent food safety problems. Here are the ...
Maintaining operational efficiency in restaurants entails managing several operations, such as employee, customer, inventory, and workflow control.
Utilizing technology solutions and data analysis to improve supply chain management will prevent illness, streamline supply chain processes, and in...
Understanding and controlling the 4 major sources of restaurant costs will help businesses protect their bottom line.
Implementing a plan to manage food waste will help the restaurant industry boost its profitability, save money, and streamline operations. Here are...
By learning the causes and prevention methods of food spoilage, restaurants can minimize their food waste, improving efficiency and profitability.
Self-ordering kiosks are becoming increasingly popular among modern restaurants. With this technology, restaurateurs can ensure quick service and a...
Digital menus utilize videos, graphics, and customized messaging to inform customers about menu items, display company information, and offer promo...
Restaurant operations include all front house and back house day to day activities.
Restaurants that understand the cost of goods sold can better manage, regulate, and source their inventory to increase turnover and reduce food was...
By choosing the appropriate restaurant food storage containers, establishments can streamline preparation and inventory counts while reducing food ...
From cafes to sports bars, small businesses can improve their capacity by using restaurant design ideas that maximize available space through layou...
A restaurant newsletter gives businesses the chance to offer their audience customized content, while driving customer engagement, new leads, and o...
Restaurants must depend on the efficiency of their supply chains in order to meet customer demand. Find out how to optimize the restaurant supply c...
A cafe POS system provides the security and payment processing features necessary to orchestrate daily operations for small businesses and large ca...
Avoiding cross contamination is crucial to preventing food poisoning and foodborne illness outbreaks.
Food safety is a non-negotiable component of any food business. All food professionals should have the knowledge to properly implement food safety ...
Restaurant accounting is an essential process that every establishment needs to determine its financial health and profitability.
Understanding restaurant profit margins is extremely vital to the success of any restaurant. Without a comprehensive knowledge of how to calculate ...
Restaurant analytics can increase revenue by providing management with data-based reports on guest experience, staff performance, inventory, sales,...
Business analytics dashboards are an integral component for delivering important business metrics. Here are the best practices for implementing a B...
Discover the key features of restaurant inventory management software, how to monitor food costs, as well as the importance of automation in invent...
Great restaurant management can make the difference between whether a restaurant is successful or not.
Calculating the food cost and using food cost control techniques are crucial for a restaurant’s bottom line.
Biometric scanners and fingerprint identification systems are now being utilized in workplaces all around the United States to track time and atten...
Curbside pickup allows customers to purchase and receive products without leaving their cars, streamlining the transaction process and limiting in-...
An online ordering system can promote a restaurant’s scalability by driving its sales, profits, and traffic through digital exposure.
From new technological innovations in-store to increased reliance on social media campaigns and online ordering services, learn the 10 restaurant t...
To create an ideal relationship with restaurant vendors, food service businesses must understand the key actions to take in order to establish a mu...
The science of creating an optimal menu will involve calculating prices geared towards driving profits while creating strategically eye-catching de...
Absenteeism, also known as the bottom line killer, can result in lost productivity for any business. The following addresses the causes of employee...
Food waste is a problem that affects all restaurants. However, there are proven strategies available to address this issue, ranging from redesignin...
Learn how to implement the best practices to protect your business and employees, as we understand the consequences of global pandemics.
The restaurant startup business is very competitive and many, unfortunately, close soon after they open. In this article, we’ll discuss three Hubwo...
Some support systems make a measurable difference in owners’ profitability, while others are no more than words in a sales pitch. So how can a fran...
Managing a restaurant or any startup can be a difficult task. Knowing each complicated element that goes into the day-to-day of a manager is a must...
Restaurant managers may feel that they don’t have enough time to pursue advanced business intelligence (BI) analytics. In this article, we introduc...
Are you entering the restaurant business but don’t know if you want to buy an existing restaurant or build your own? While purchasing an existing r...
Learn how to use social media properly, and you can look forward to increased customer loyalty, a better reputation, and a valuable opportunity to ...
Today, social media is often the first place people go to find a restaurant’s menu, hours, and reviews before heading out. Let’s look at some effec...
If you’ve been in the restaurant business for some time, it’s highly likely you’ve seen trends come and go, but, everyone knows quality is always h...
Honey is universally known as a natural sweetener and is composed of natural sugars. Pure honey, in its raw form, is also used as a remedy for vari...
Many restaurants do not fully understand the effect of customer loyalty on their business success. They endlessly spend money on marketing services...
A bagel is made of wheat-based pastry or bread, which is first boiled or steamed before being baked. Once kneaded and shaped, the bagel is proofed ...
Whether you are planning to start a new restaurant business or you already have an established business, there are certain things you must take int...
Not utilizing these tried and true best practices for inventory control has caused many restaurants to fail before they ever get a chance to thrive...
Storytelling is a powerful marketing strategy that builds trust and helps you connect with your clients. You need to leverage your brand story to e...
The restaurant management software you use is essential to your business’ success. Many owners and managers get caught up in the human aspect of ma...
As you grow older, you may begin to notice that you suffer more from common ailments, like the cold and flu, during the colder seasons. To combat t...
While Thanksgiving is often associated with food, loved ones, and overly full stomachs, if you’re hosting Thanksgiving, it can also be correlated w...
Your food runner is one of your most important restaurant employees. Choose the right food runner, server, waiter, and waitress to be the collectiv...
Sunflower oil is a healthy option for all your favorite recipes as it’s valued for its light taste and frying performance. High in Vitamin E, Sunfl...
You need to be on Google. It’s the largest of all search engines, and it is proven to help restaurants boost their business. Let’s take a look at s...
Whether you are running late or not feeling hungry, no reason justifies skipping breakfast. Your body needs energy, which is obtained through food,...
Every bar is different, but one uniting element is the need for inventory counts. With an inventory management app, such as Zip Inventory by Hubwor...
Do you enjoy seafood, like crab and lobster, but struggle with being able to eat it because of the shell? Combat this problem by learning how to br...
A quality restaurant POS system can be utilized to help users better understand their business’ performance and improve upon vulnerabilities, by pr...
As I slowly ascend the vibrant and healthy moss-covered hillside, I methodically scan my immediate vicinity with a patiently focused gaze. It doesn...
Shortcuts aren’t always a bad thing. When it comes to running a restaurant, you need to find ways to get tasks done quickly without sacrificing qua...
There are so many food holidays in a year and with a little creativity here and there, any restaurant owner or manager can attract more customers a...
Surprisingly, one of the most common problems of restaurants is its menu. Whether it’s the design or the number of pages the menu has, it’s certain...
Zip Clock, from Hubworks, is being honored as this year’s Editor’s Choice Award for it’s affordability and advanced functionality.. Zip Clock is a ...
CREAM founder and co-president, Gus Shamieh, tells us the whole story.
Scheduling solutions are garnering a lot of interest lately from operators. Due to a perfect storm of rising wages, health care costs, and employer...
With eRestaurant 2018, Altametrics continues to break new ground.
When subzero temperatures start creeping in, ice cream shops tend to see less and less customers walking through the door. So, here’s the big quest...
Having the knowledge of how much your food costs you to sell is critical to running a successful operation. Your food cost percentage should be ut...
Millennials are claiming their stake as the most engaged group of diners yet. They go out to dinner more often than their predecessors ever did, an...
A lot has been written about how to manage Millennials versus Baby Boomers. And that’s valuable information – for many employers, the differences b...
Restaurateurs need to ensure that food safety is top of their agenda when they open their business. Their commercial kitchen, and all areas of the ...
The restaurant industry is rising and expanding again with the support of cutting edge technologies. This signifcant increase of technology has bol...
Before you place incoming meat, poultry, or seafood in its rightful storage, a proper inspection following a detailed guide should take place. This...
Restaurant security should be one of the biggest priorities for owners of a restaurant operation, especially when you consider how much cash and cr...
The menu is a main driving force in getting customers in the door, and they want to pay for the quality they are receiving. The prices on the menu ...
Managing staff is both the most complex and rewarding part of becoming a restaurant manager for the first time. You have a vision for how you want ...
Off-premise orders are driving growth for restaurants, so how can you get your share? Adding catering to your business is one way to go. Sound inti...
Food has long held its rank in the business setting. Increasingly, however, companies are moving beyond taking a decision maker out for a nice meal...
One of the best ways for restaurateurs to improve their business is to listen to their customers and take their opinions on board, whether they are...
Restaurant owners and managers are really starting to feel the effects of a rising minimum wage and increased labor costs. Today, more and more res...
Point of sale (POS) systems have given the restaurant industry a huge boost over the last few years, and as the technology continues to develop, so...
In order for your restaurant to run smoothly during every service, the right equipment has to be in store and on hand so that your servers can deli...
Your menu is your moneymaker, which means it plays a huge role in attracting guests to eat at your restaurant and consider it their usual haunts. Y...
CKE Restaurants CEO Andy Puzder loves the company’s flirtatious TV spots, he hates big government, and he gets why his 23-year-old son wonders wher...
Taco Bell has managed to successfully captivate the attention of Millennials everywhere and they continue to gain their loyalty. How has the once s...
One of the biggest emerging trends in restaurants is the return of the communal table. Communal tables are long, shared tables where people are typ...
Who can resist a sweet, fluffy, doughnut? With flavors like huckleberry and maple bacon being served up fresh every hour, Sidecar Doughnuts in Sout...
The Denver-based fast-casual chain has millions of followers — but that doesn't stop them from going all-in with customers on social channels.
I was lucky enough to sit down for a Q&A with one of Popbar’s founders; Reuben BenJehuda to indulge myself in some of the techniques the chain ...
How Corner Bakery Cafe sifted OT out of its restaurant payrolls with a pull-no-punches, intelligent timeclock solution
RMagazine had the pleasure to sit down and pick the mind of Elie Ayrouth, the founder of Foodbeast, the “TMZ of food news.” He has his head down w...
The expeditor is your sentry at the kitchen window, the human linchpin who operates where the expectations of the seated customer — in terms of foo...
