Following a period of closure, the Coppelia ice cream parlor in Nueva Gerona, located on the Isle of Youth, has resumed operations this weekend, albeit with restricted services and a limited menu. According to a report by the state-run Isla Visión, the iconic establishment is back in business but falls short of the public's expectations.
The shortage in ice cream production has prompted Coppelia's management to impose limits on sales. Patrons are now restricted to consuming only two ice cream salads and two specialty items within the premises, with no option to take ice cream home. Additionally, the parlor will operate solely on Saturdays and Sundays, while from Wednesday to Friday, it will offer other unspecified culinary options.
Ramón Leyva Morales shared the new 2025 pricing list for Coppelia on Facebook, unveiling significant price hikes due to supply shortages and Cuba's economic struggles. Among the pricier selections are the "Chocolate Peter" at 280 CUP and both the "White Cow" and "Black Cow," priced at 200 CUP for 203 ml. Other classic items also see steep prices: a five-scoop ice cream salad is 220 CUP, while the "Banana Split" and "Ice Cream Bonbon" are priced at 150 CUP each.
These prices mark a substantial increase compared to previous years, impacting consumers' wallets amid scarcity and limited ice cream offerings. Isla Visión's Facebook post specifies the limited opening hours: Saturdays from 6:00 p.m. to midnight and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to midnight.
While some might view Coppelia's reopening as an attempt to enhance the gastronomic scene on the Isle of Youth, the ongoing product shortages and imposed restrictions underscore the persistent supply challenges. The inability to purchase take-home ice cream and the cap on salads and specialties have caused frustration among locals hoping for a more stable reopening.
It's not just Coppelia in the Isle of Youth facing price hikes. The renowned establishment in Havana is experiencing similar issues. Reopened in February, Coppelia in Havana features high prices: a mixed salad at 155 pesos, Coffee Cake at 170 pesos, and a sundae at 60 pesos. However, the increased costs have not translated into improved service, as radio host Laritza Camacho noted on social media, stating, "If you thought it was bad, you can keep thinking that."
Coppelia Ice Cream Parlor FAQs
What are the new operating hours for Coppelia in the Isle of Youth?
Coppelia will be open on Saturdays from 6:00 p.m. to midnight and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to midnight.
What restrictions has Coppelia implemented upon reopening?
Each customer is limited to consuming two ice cream salads and two specialty items within the parlor, with no option to take ice cream home.
How have the prices changed at Coppelia in the Isle of Youth?
Prices have significantly increased, with items like the "Chocolate Peter" costing 280 CUP and the "White Cow" and "Black Cow" priced at 200 CUP for 203 ml.