The flavor of Cuban childhood has arrived in Miami with Coppelita ice cream, a proposal that aims to revive one of the most cherished traditions among islanders.
The initiative comes from a Cuban family who, driven by nostalgia for the obligatory visits to the iconic Coppelita machines that were abundant in La Rampa and other areas of Havana or in the centers of some provinces, decided to incorporate this classic into their business.
“Ice cream brings back many memories for me, especially those associated with my children. Whenever we could, we would buy a Coppelita; it was essential. From that nostalgia, the idea to offer this service in our company emerged,” comments Nelson Martínez (known on his social media as “Chef Nelson“) to CiberCuba.
It explains that the proposal includes “the option of the typical ice cream in a cone, but with a distinct difference in terms of quality and variety of service, as we offer many more options. The difference lies in the composition of the ice cream, which is based on that flavor reminiscent of the Coppelitas from Cuba.”
Their recipe preserves the essence of traditional Cuban ice cream, featuring classic flavors such as chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, while expanding the variety thanks to options available in Miami, where ice cream flavors like piña colada, coffee, mango, and pistachio are also very popular, they claim.
“Indeed, chocolate and vanilla are the most requested by our customers,” adds the chef, a graduate of the culinary school on the island.
This entrepreneur’s business originated during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it faced initial challenges due to the lack of events and celebrations during that time.
However, the bet on the delivery service allowed them to grow and establish themselves in the market.
Today, the company offers both home deliveries and ice cream stations at events, even overcoming the logistical challenges of transporting heavy machinery.
“We didn’t know it would be so well received, but we have been surprised by the demand. Since we announced this new ice cream station, we have been requested for the service at all scheduled events,” Chef Nelson assures.
Finally, he invites those who want to enjoy this experience that evokes the Cuba of yesteryear to request the service through social media at @chef_n3lson. “It will be a pleasure to bring this piece of Cuba to your next event,” he concluded.
Many Cubans who have arrived in Miami in recent years have seen their entrepreneurial ventures grow despite the challenges of emigrating to a completely unfamiliar country.
This Sunday, the story of young Cuban Leidy Aragón also came to light, who started a cleaning business and today inspires thousands with her story of perseverance.
Other stories like that of Dany González, 30 years old, who last year opened a food truck specializing in grilled meat, Brazilian style, and whose menu also includes typical dishes from Cuban cuisine: congrí, fried yucca, ropa vieja…
Frequently Asked Questions about Coppelita Ice Cream in Miami and the Situation of Coppelia in Cuba
What is Coppelita ice cream and why is it significant in Miami?
Coppelita ice cream is a concept brought to Miami by a Cuban family with the aim of reviving the traditional experience of Coppelia, an iconic ice cream parlor in Cuba. This ice cream evokes nostalgia for Cubans who remember their visits to Coppelia on the island, offering classic flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, as well as new varieties that are popular in Miami. The initiative has been well received by the Cuban community abroad.
What has been the recent experience of customers at Coppelia, Havana?
Recent experiences at Coppelia, Havana, have been largely negative. Customers are reporting issues with service quality, such as poor treatment, defective ice creams, and high prices, which do not correspond to an improvement in quality. Despite the recent refurbishment, complaints continue regarding the lack of flavor variety and deficiencies in customer service.
What challenges did the Coppelita ice cream business face in Miami?
The Coppelita ice cream business in Miami faced initial challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as there was a reduction in events and celebrations. However, their focus on delivery service allowed them to overcome these obstacles and solidify their presence in the local market. Currently, they offer home delivery services and ice cream stations at events, which has been well received by the community.
How does the offering of Coppelia in Cuba compare to that of Coppelita in Miami?
The offerings at Coppelia in Cuba have been criticized for their limited variety of flavors and high prices, as well as the low quality of service. In contrast, Coppelita in Miami has successfully preserved the essence of traditional Cuban flavors and expanded its variety thanks to local influences, such as piña colada and pistachio flavors, which have been well received by Cubans living in the United States.
