Limited offerings and many restrictions: This is how Coppelia reopens in the Isle of Youth

Coppelia reopens on the Isle of Youth with limited offerings, high prices, and restrictions. It will only sell ice cream on weekends, with no takeout option and rationed consumption in the dining area.

Coppelia from the Isle of YouthPhoto © Facebook / Islavision Icrt

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After a period of inactivity, the Coppelia ice cream shop in Nueva Gerona, on the Island of Youth, reopened its doors this weekend with limited service and restrictions on its offerings.

A news article published by the official outlet Isla Visión reported that the iconic establishment is reopening, but with offerings that are far from what the public expected.

Facebook Capture / Islavision Icrt

The deficit in ice cream production has led Coppelia's management to impose restrictions on sales.

In this regard, it has been determined that each customer may only consume two salads and two specialty dishes inside the dining area, with no option to take ice cream home.

Additionally, the ice cream parlor will only be open on Saturdays and Sundays, while from Wednesday to Friday, the establishment will offer other dining options, which were not detailed in the announcement.

The new price list of the Coppelia ice cream parlor in Isla de la Juventud for the year 2025, shared by Ramón Leyva Morales on Facebook, reveals a significant increase in product costs, reflecting the supply crisis and the economic challenges facing the country.

Facebook Capture / Ramón Leyva Morales

Among the more expensive options are the "Chocolate Peter," which reaches a price of 280 CUP, and the "White Cow" and "Black Cow," both priced at 200 CUP for 203 ml of product.

Other iconic products from the ice cream shop also have high prices: The five-scoop ice cream sundae will be sold for 220 CUP, while the "Banana Split" and the "Ice Cream Bonbon" will cost 150 CUP each.

Compared to previous years, these prices represent a significant blow to consumers' wallets, who will have to deal with these rates in a context of scarcity and limitations in ice cream supply.

In a post made by Isla Visión on their Facebook profile, it is specified that the hours will only be on weekends; for now, Saturdays from 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m., and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.

Facebook Capture / Islavision Icrt

Although the reopening of Coppelia could be seen as an attempt to enhance the dining options on the Isle of Youth, the scarcity of products and the imposed restrictions make it clear that the supply situation remains critical.

The inability to purchase takeout ice cream and the restrictions on the quantity of salads and specialties that can be consumed have caused inconveniences among residents, who were hoping for a reopening with more stability in the offerings.

However, it is not just the Coppelia in Isla de la Juventud that is facing a price increase. The iconic facility in Havana is also experiencing a similar situation.

The Coppelia reopened in Havana last February with high prices: a mixed salad costs 155 pesos, the Coffee Cake is 170 pesos, and a sundae is 60 pesos.

However, a high price did not equate to better service. This was confirmed by the broadcaster Laritza Camacho, who stated on her social media that: "If you thought it was bad, you can continue to think so".

Frequently Asked Questions about the Reopening of Coppelia in the Isle of Youth

How has the reopening of Coppelia on the Isle of Youth been?

The reopening of Coppelia on the Isle of Youth has taken place with limited service and several restrictions. The ice cream parlor operates only on weekends, and each customer is allowed to consume only two salads and two specialties, with no option to take ice cream home.

What are the current prices at Coppelia in Isla de la Juventud?

At the Coppelia ice cream shop on the Isle of Youth, prices have increased significantly. The "Chocolate Peter" costs 280 CUP, while the "White Cow" and "Black Cow" are priced at 200 CUP for 203 ml. The five-scoop ice cream salad is sold for 220 CUP, and both the "Banana Split" and the "Ice Cream Bonbon" cost 150 CUP each.

Why have restrictions been imposed on ice cream sales at Coppelia?

The restrictions on ice cream sales at Coppelia are due to a production deficit. This has forced the management to limit consumption to two salads and two specialties per customer, in order to ensure that products are available for everyone during operating hours.

How does the current economic crisis affect the ice cream supply at Coppelia?

The economic crisis has severely impacted the ice cream supply at Coppelia, reflected in high prices and limited availability. The shortage of raw materials such as milk and sugar has made stable ice cream production challenging, which has also resulted in restrictions on the amount customers can consume on-site.

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.