The iconic Coppelia ice cream parlor in Havana is promising to seek "new options" for next year, which marks the centenary of dictator Fidel Castro, as reported by the local official newspaper Tribuna de La Habana.
"The 'cathedral' has not closed its doors and is preparing to seek new options in the year of the centenary of the Commander-in-Chief Fidel," wrote the press, referring to Castro's hundred years in the upcoming 2026.
The article praises the ice cream shop, which has been the subject of strong criticism from the public pointing out the lack of ice cream and the scarcity of options when available.
The text describes the constant monitoring of the quality and variety of the offerings in the ice cream shop as a "permanent challenge," which was once a culinary landmark in Havana.
Highlighting a "noticeable effort to ensure service", the state-run media promises that there will be new options, of which no details were provided.
Dozens of people mocked the announcement and questioned the poor quality of the product being offered.
"Why don't they focus on making the ice cream taste like ice cream? It has no flavor or sugar, and it's also expensive and bad. The tables are a mess, and I won't even mention the hot water because that's already a trademark of the place," stated a person.
A Cuban asked, "What projects? The ice cream is even more expensive and worse."
Coppelia is facing issues of shortages and poor service quality following its reopening. Despite promises of improvements, the selection of flavors remains limited and the service falls short of customer expectations. Criticisms also focus on the lack of hygiene and proper attention.
Prices at Coppelia are high due to the elevated cost of raw materials, according to authorities. However, many customers believe that the prices are not justified by the quality of the product and the service provided, which has led to widespread discontent among consumers.
Coppelia reopened in February with restrictions on the availability of flavors and payment methods, following a renovation process that began in November.
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 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 Situation of the Coppelia Ice Cream Parlor in Cuba
What new options does Coppelia promise to offer for the summer?
The Coppelia ice cream parlor in Havana has announced that it will seek "new options" for the summer season; however, no specific details have been provided about what these new options will be. The announcement was made in the context of the centenary of Fidel Castro's birth, but no concrete changes in flavor offerings or in service have been specified.
Why has Coppelia received recent criticism?
Coppelia has faced criticism due to the lack of variety in flavors, the poor quality of the ice cream, subpar service, and high prices. Customers have voiced their dissatisfaction with paying high prices for a product that does not meet their expectations in terms of taste and quality.
What are the current prices at Coppelia?
The prices at Coppelia are significantly high. For example, a mixed salad costs 155 pesos, while other specialties like Super Twins and Tres Gracias are sold for 130 and 105 pesos, respectively. These prices have led to complaints among customers regarding the quality of the products offered.
How has the customer experience been at Coppelia since its reopening?
The experience of customers at Coppelia since its reopening has largely been negative. Consumers have reported poor treatment, lack of hygiene, and low-quality ice cream, even finding strange objects like hair. The expectations for improvement following the renovation have not been met according to numerous testimonies.
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