"A fixture in Normal Heights for nearly a decade, Viva Pops will close up shop on Adams Avenue this Saturday, February 16. Known for flavors ranging from blood orange and lavender lemonade to salted caramel and Mexican chocolate, Viva Pops even offers dog-friendly popsicles. The company was founded by Lisa Altman and her husband Jack, who got their start at the Little Italy Mercato farmer’s market selling gourmet organic popsicles made with local produce out of a charming, colorful cart. In the years since, the pops have also been available at Whole Foods Market and other retailers and featured at countless events, including Coachella. Although it’s leaving Normal Heights, Viva Pops will live on. Altman tells Eater that shuttering the storefront was a bittersweet decision for the couple, but it was a necessary one in order to free up their time and energy to grow the brand. She says they will be working on creating a more focused Viva Pops line that reflects their brand’s creative flavor combinations and use of quality ingredients with the goal of making the popsicles available at various retailers around San Diego and beyond in the near future." - Candice Woo
