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The Cuban broadcaster and presenter Laritza Camacho visited the Coppelia ice cream parlor, which recently reopened its doors after being closed for three months for repairs.
Laritza went to the popular establishment on Wednesday afternoon with a friend, feeling encouraged because there was no line. Upon arrival, they sat at a table of their choice, but a few minutes later, a waitress asked them to move because they had started to balance the cash register and were serving in another area.
Despite the fact that giant posters were announcing many deals, there were only two flavors: vanilla and chocolate swirl, and as a specialty, salad.
The ice cream wasn't bad, she admitted on her Facebook wall.
While they waited to be served, they noticed that, contrary to what the official press claims, nothing was shining, fixed, or renewed.
"The black tarpaulins, the chipped chairs, the same plastic tableware", he described.
"When they clear the table, they pour the water from the glasses onto the plants (okay), but almost over the heads of the customers, whom they call family, mamita, papito, muchacha...," she added.
The actress and radio producer also recounted that next to her, two workers were arguing because the other two were not doing anything.
Then a couple of elderly people arrived at the venue, consisting of a Cuban and a foreigner.
"A wave of embarrassment washed over her, he demanded to be attended to, unable to understand why his chair was wobbling, why there was only one flavor, why those two were arguing and not paying attention to him... She tried to explain the unexplainable, and soon I heard him say: 'I don’t want to be treated like I’m Maradona, but I deserve a minimum of respect. You Cubans don’t know how to demand respect,'” he recounted.
The conclusion for Laritza is that nothing has changed at the ice cream shop, except for the prices.
"If you thought that Coppelia was bad, you can keep thinking that. If you believed that Coppelia was good, you can keep believing that," he stated.
Their experience is similar to that of the user Pedro Gandara, who went to get ice cream on February 12, just a week after the center reopened.
"Life goes on the same or worse, 150 pesos for a salad with melted bits, and I think they don’t give change anymore or there are no 10-peso bills. (If you ask for African ones, bring your hammer)," he commented.
A few days ago, the Ministry of Domestic Trade (MINCIN) inaugurated the location again and stated that after three months of renovation, its awnings and signage are new, in addition to offering "a variety of specialty items at acceptable prices compared to other offerings in private establishments."
Coppelia reopened in February with restrictions on available flavors and payment methods, following a renovation process that began in November.
Prices are now significantly higher.
A mixed salad costs 155 pesos, while other specialties like Super Twins and Tres Gracias are priced at 130 and 105 pesos, respectively.
The sundae, one of the simplest desserts on the menu, costs 60 pesos, while a Vaca Negra, which combines fizzy soda with ice cream, is priced at 31 pesos.
In addition to the high prices of ice cream, a 550 ml bottle of water costs 160 pesos and a slice of coffee cake reaches 170 pesos, figures that have generated reactions among customers visiting the ice cream shop.
Frequently asked questions about the reopening of the Coppelia ice cream parlor in Havana
How has the customer experience been since the reopening of Coppelia?
The customer experience following the reopening of Coppelia has been negative. Visitors have reported issues such as a lack of flavor variety, poor condition of the facilities, and inadequate service. Despite announcements of improvements, many customers, including the broadcaster Laritza Camacho, have found that the quality of the ice cream has not significantly improved, and the prices are high compared to the offerings.
What changes were made during the renovation of the Coppelia ice cream parlor?
During the renovation of the Coppelia ice cream shop, aesthetic improvements were made such as the installation of new awnings, painting of areas, and renewal of signage. However, these improvements have not translated into a better experience for customers, who have noticed that the infrastructure remains inadequate and the service has not significantly improved.
What is the current situation of prices at Coppelia after its reopening?
The prices at Coppelia have increased significantly following its reopening. For instance, a mixed salad costs 155 pesos, and other specialties like Super Twins and Tres Gracias are priced high. This price hike has resulted in dissatisfaction among customers, who believe it is unjustified considering the quality of the service and the products offered.
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