Before Chris Taylor sold his first Mempop in 2016, he was busy working and managing the kitchens and staff at Felicia Suzanne’s and Central BBQ. Before that, perhaps a sign of his entrepreneurial spirit, Chris founded the Mid-South Maze at the Agricenter in 2001. Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, Taylor graduated from Lewis and Clark College in 1999 with a degree in economics. He is a family man who lives in Midtown with his wife, Emily, and their two children, Caroline and Harry.
“When this all started, I was calling everyone to see if they would let me sell Mempops at their events,” he recalled. “I was literally at every event in town.”
Today, Mempops has two brick-and-mortar stores: one at Crosstown Concourse and another at Park Place Centre, conveniently located across the street from Memphis University School. They also have a robust fleet of vehicles that allows them to serve Mempops at various locations around Memphis simultaneously. Mempops enthusiasts can also find their favorite flavors at the following retail partners: Lake’s Edge Gift Shop at Shelby Farms Park, Kay Kafe at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, High Point Pizza, Cordelia’s Market, Germantown Athletic Center, and The One-Craft Road.
To maintain balance amidst the hustle, Chris enjoys playing tennis to relieve stress and get exercise.
“When I play tennis, it’s a complete departure from the day-to-day excitement of selling pops and running a business,” he said. “I’m able to be in my body, have some healthy competition, and burn some calories at the same time.”
According to the United States Tennis Association (USTA), playing tennis for just three hours a week can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by 56 percent. It also enhances concentration, strategic thinking, and flexibility — and it’s a great game for all ages.
Looking back, Mempops began with just one cart, moving from festival to festival and event to event. It didn’t take long for people to take notice and start craving the latest sweet treats. Their fruit and cream-based ingredients are sourced from local farmers when in season, and their creativity knows no bounds. Flavors range from Hibiscus Lemonade to Strawberries & Cream and from Toasted Marshmallow to Apple Cranberry.
Mempops also gives back to the community. Through their Give-Back Program, Mempops and its customers have donated over $125,000 to 115 local non-profits over the past decade.
“It’s been an amazing run so far, and in many ways, I still feel like we are just getting started. This year is already popping off, so when you see us out there, wish us a happy tenth birthday!”
In the end, Mempops is a family-run, kid-friendly enterprise that cares about Memphis and takes pride in serving the entire community.
To learn more about Mempops, to view their current locations, or to book them for your next event, visit Mempops.com.
By Jeff Hulett
Photo by Tindall Stephens
