Dessert catering company POP’s Gourmet Banana Pudding will open its first brick-and-mortar shop in March 2022.
Owner James Pennywell confirmed the news in an email conversation with What Now Las Vegas on Tuesday evening.
“POP’S is a one stop shop for everything banana pudding,” Pennywell said, describing the project. “If you can imagine it, we got it, from banana pudding tacos to ice cream, cupcakes, pies, fried banana pudding balls, and even funnel cake.”
The restaurant’s name and banana pudding recipe are an homage to Pennywell’s mentor and foster dad, Carl Simmons, who goes by POPS to the 67 boys who have been in his care.
“He introduced me to the best banana pudding I’d ever had in my life,” Pennywell said. “Back then I knew it was something special, but now, almost 22 years later, I’m on a mission to spread this joy to the world, along with custom creations that I created myself.”
POP’S Gourmet Banana Pudding also has the ambition to be a conscientious member of its community, teaming up with local organizations to donate a portion of sales to foster youth, while also providing a place for them to gain work experience.
“POP’S Gourmet Banana Pudding is not just another local dessert shop,” Pennywell added. “We are actively working to become a community staple and value community outreach.”
The new brick-and-mortar is slated to open in March 2022, but the location has yet to be finalized. In the interim, POP’s continues to offer catering for special events.
