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The flavor of Cuban childhood has arrived in Miami with Coppelita ice cream, a proposal that aims to revive one of the most beloved traditions among immigrants from the island.
The initiative comes from a Cuban family that, inspired by the nostalgia for the mandatory visits to the iconic Coppelita machines that were plentiful in La Rampa and other areas of Havana or in centers of some provinces, decided to incorporate this classic into their business.
"Ice creams bring back many memories for me, especially those related to my children. Whenever we could, we would buy a Coppelita; it was a must. From that nostalgia comes the idea of offering this service in our company," 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 difference in terms of quality and variety of service, as we offer many more options. The distinction lies in the composition of the ice cream, which is based on the flavor of the Coppelitas from Cuba."
Her recipe retains the essence of traditional Cuban ice cream, featuring classic flavors like chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, while expanding the variety thanks to options available in Miami, where flavors such as piña colada, coffee, mango, and pistachio are also very popular, she states.
"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 in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, but faced initial challenges due to the lack of events and celebrations during that time.
However, the commitment to 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 are surprised by the demand. Since we announced this new ice cream station, we've been requested at every scheduled event," Chef Nelson asserts.
Finally, he invites those who wish to enjoy this experience that evokes old Cuba to request the service through social media at @chef_n3lson. "It will be a pleasure to bring you this little piece of Cuba to your next event," he concluded.
Many Cubans who have arrived in Miami in recent years have seen their businesses thrive despite the challenges of emigrating to a completely unfamiliar country.
This Sunday, the story of young Cuban Leidy Aragón also emerged, who started a cleaning business and today inspires thousands with her story of overcoming challenges.
Other stories like that of 30-year-old Dany González, who opened a food truck last year dedicated to grilled meat in the Brazilian style, and whose menu also features typical dishes of Cuban cuisine: congris, 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 venture 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 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 mostly negative. Customers are reporting issues with the quality of service, such as poor treatment, defective ice creams, and high prices, which do not correspond with an improvement in quality. Despite the recent renovations, criticism continues due to the lack of variety in flavors 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, the investment in delivery service allowed them to overcome these obstacles and establish themselves in the local market. Currently, they offer home delivery services and ice cream stations at events, which have been well received by the community.
How does Coppelia's offering in Cuba compare to that of Coppelita in Miami?
The offer from Coppelia in Cuba has been criticized for its limited variety of flavors and high prices, as well as the low quality of service. In contrast, Coppelita in Miami has managed to maintain the essence of traditional Cuban flavors and expand 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.
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