Pop Pop’s Italian Ice

Originally founded in 1997, Pop Pop’s found new life when Dominic Maestas stepped in to relaunch the business as a food truck in 2018 after the previous owner planned to close it. “We saw an opportunity to revive something special and share it with a whole new generation,” says Maestas. Since then, Pop Pop’s has grown steadily, offering its nostalgic favorites alongside new, globally inspired snacks.

Support from the New Mexico Minority Business Development Agency (NM MBDA) and the City’s Small Business Office has been a key part of that journey. “NM MBDA has invited us to several events and helped promote our brand to the community,” says Maestas. “Ken with the Small Business Office has been awesome—he’s provided valuable connections and resources that have helped our business grow and operate more smoothly.”

Looking ahead, Maestas has bold ambitions for Pop Pop’s future. “We plan to continue expanding across New Mexico and ultimately acquire a manufacturing facility to enable large-scale distribution,” he explains. Programs like the Small Business Office will be instrumental in helping guide the business through that growth, providing access to tools and resources that small businesses often lack.

Grateful for both the support and the community that has embraced Pop Pop’s, Maestas adds, “We are extremely thankful—not only for the programs that uplift businesses like ours, but for the incredible customers who continue to show up for us every day.”