POP Culture Frozen Yogurt, previously on Lexington Street, was a staple for many Mounds View students. It was the place for after-school hangouts, late evening meetups and a place for family and friends to spend time together. However, it closed on Sep. 23 after operating costs became too high.

POP Culture gave customers the opportunity to create customized frozen yogurt. Customers also liked that they did not have to pay by weight. However, like many other small businesses, Pop Culture struggled to maintain financial stability. In an Instagram post on Sept. 16, they announced,  “It is with a heavy heart that we are announcing the closure of POP Culture due to rising costs. We have appreciated your support over the past 10 years and want to thank all of you. As a small, locally owned business, we have had so much joy in employing local youth and seeing all of you come in and enjoy our business with your friends and family.” 

The announcement of the local store closing led to a range of emotions from workers, customers and Mounds View students. “I think all of our customers are sad to see us go, and I think the community has definitely lost a very popular hangout spot. Even before working there, I remember going to celebrate there after concerts and performances, which I am sure many other students relate to,” said Josette House, class of 2023 and former employee. 

The impact of POP Culture’s closure extends beyond the frozen yogurt offered. It was a place that built relationships, held valuable memories and served as a prominent hangout spot for many students because of its close proximity to Mounds View and other nearby stores like Target. “Me and some of my volleyball friends went to POP Culture after a tournament, and we stayed there for like two hours and just talked and had a really good time,” said senior Emily Luo, a frequent customer.

With the closing of POP Culture, there is hope that it could reopen in the future. “The owner would not like to disclose too much about this, but if it was possible, he would like to re-open again, but that is undetermined,” said House. Many students are curious about other places they could go for meetups and hangouts. “Maybe they will reopen, but if they don’t, hopefully an ice cream shop or another good spot to hangout will replace POP Culture,” said sophomore Grace Emerson. Potential alternatives include CherryBerry in Blaine and Vadnais Heights. 

However, other students are unwilling to give up on the fond memories and frozen yogurt. “Honestly, nothing will replace POP Culture for me because I actually loved it so much,” Luo said. “POP Culture is forever in our hearts and our stomachs.”