By Mia Finley
After three years testing her product at farmers markets around the area, Maria Romano felt ready for a brick-and-mortar business.
As the owner of Whim Pop, an ice pop branded as “pleasure without the guilt,” Romano creates flavor combinations like cucumber chili and hibiscus pomegranate. “I’m trying to blend the healthy qualities of vegetables with the sweetness of fruit,” she says.
Her list of potential stable locations included Loudoun, Mosaic District and Reston Town Center. “I think Alexandria is very open to new businesses, promoting a lot of independent brands, not huge chains,” Romano says. “That’s why Old Town fit best.”
Romano won’t just be selling ice pops. There will also be:
-Full espresso bar
-Make-your-own smoothies
-Tea from Capital Teas
-Housemade fruit punch
-Hot chocolate on a stick, where you can stir flavored chocolates—vanilla, salted caramel or peppermint—into steamed milk
–Ines Rosales tortas from Spain
-Peruvian alfajores
-Mexican churros
-Cake pops from fellow market vendor and friend Kylie’s Pop Shop
“We can finally have a place open everyday, in the same location, and reach out to the community unlike before,” Romano says about the 20-seat space with a play area for kids. “I hope that by having a store, people can bring ideas for new ice pop flavors that inspire a daily changing menu.” At the grand opening, currently slated for this Saturday, Romano will premiere her new flavors: avocado with kale and pineapple and mandarin orange with peppers. / Whim Pop, 1309 King St., Alexandria
