Sticklers Ice Pops

Long rambling post ahead... This is not a decision that was taken lightly or made easily. Multiple days full of crying led to me deciding not to open Sticklers for the season unless something really drastic happens with social distancing later this summer, which is unfortunately just not something I anticipate happening. Like so many other small businesses, we are completely dependent on the gathering of groups of people. For a few weeks I considered changing up my business ...model to do call ahead orders but the rising costs of ingredients and the logistics involved just outweigh the benefits. I so appreciate all of the people who wanted us to visit their neighborhood or place orders for pick up times but I personally can’t see running the truck without the amazing events we do throughout the summer. Not only is it not really financially feasible, but if I’m being honest, it’s a little depressing to me. Handing out preboxed popsicles to people wearing masks makes me sad when I think back on what we are normally doing- watching everyone stroll around the Arts Fest, sprawled out picnics in the grass at the Frick, the crafts at Neighborhood Flea, all of the bicycles driving past during Open Streets. I love what I do and where I do it, and those are the events I live for. For these reasons, we are going to take a step back. At first this decision felt impossible. Then I woke up one day and decided to see the positives. I’ll spend more time with my husband and son which will be far different than the 15 hour days I frequently work in the summer. We can go on a longer vacation, and it gives me more time to think up fun new flavors for next year. This is absolutely not the end of Sticklers. The business has been through almost 8 years, a name change, an ownership change, a kitchen move, and a new truck, so I’m not letting a virus take it down- but it is a pause. A chance to catch up on the things in life I was taking for granted and a new found appreciation for the freedom I have to do this in my life

Hi everyone! I just thought I should give a little update on getting the truck out this year... Normally I have our first events booked for the second half of April and we are starting up pop production for the year. As of now I am not and I am waiting to see what happens in the coming weeks before making a decision. I do have a young toddler so working without childcare is very difficult and the price of produce due to demand is pretty high right now. I don’t want to have to... pass these costs on to my customers and I want to keep everyone and my own family as safe as possible so if I do start up, I want a solid, minimal contact plan in place. For now, I am spending a lot of extra time that I don’t normally get with my son, so I’m making the best of it. I will keep the page updated if I decide to take orders but either way I am heartbroken at the thought of possibly missing out on all of my favorite events with the truck this year. I’m thankful to my loyal following in Pittsburgh that show up event after event to find us and I truly wish I could be seeing (and hope to possibly still at some point?) all of your smiling faces at the Arts Festival, Neighborhood Flea, Open Streets, Fridays at the Frick, etc. Like everyone else, I don’t know what will happen later this summer and if we will be able to have any gatherings, but I do hope that when this is over everyone continues to support the little guys. I have loved watching everyone order take out and promote their favorite restaurants and food trucks. It’s a hard time to be in our industry, especially because for many of us it’s all we know and what we love to do despite the long hours and typically small salaries. Continue supporting your favorite local businesses as best you can. I hope to see you all in a few weeks/months but if I don’t, the truck will be back in full force next summer

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Sticklers is officially closed until April! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting our little business and letting me make popsicles for you all for a living. I am looking forward to a few months off to spend lots of time with my family and friends and reset so I can come back and do it all again next summer. I truly appreciate each and every person who bought a popsicle from us (and for some it was MANY popsicles ) and all of those who support me personally. I have loved making Sticklers my own over the past two summers and I really do love what I do and where I do it. If anyone needs me I’ll be cuddled up with my husband, son, and pup until the spring

This is your LAST CHANCE to catch the Stickler’s truck this year! Hanging out at Kennywood for the Pierogi Fest until 6. #pierogi #pghpierogifest #kennywood #pittsburghaf #lovewhereyoulive #sticklers #leonas #sticklerspgh #popsicles #icepops @ Kennywood Park

Tomorrow from 12-5 (as long as it isn’t raining!) we will be at the Rev’Em up for Kids car show in the Spencer YMCA parking lot in Bethel Park during the Community day! After tomorrow, our last public outing of the truck is next Sunday the 22nd at the Pierogi Fest at Kennywood. We are so close to being done for the season! I’m excited to relax but sad to see the warm weather and popsicles go for a few months. #sticklers #sticklerspgh #icepops #revemupcarshow #carshow #communityday #treatyoself #thingstodothisweekend #lovewhereyoulive #leonas