We’re thrilled to introduce you to one of our favorite partners, P.O.P.S in Canton, Georgia! This local gem has quickly become a go-to spot for amazing Italian-American food and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. We’re excited to have teamed up with them for their bagged and iced coffee drinks.
We recently sat down with owner Andy Palermo to chat about his journey from busboy to restaurant owner, his favorite dish at P.O.P.S, and what drives his passion for the restaurant industry. His story is both inspiring and relatable, and we loved hearing about his connection to Bizarre Coffee and how our collaboration came to be. Grab your favorite cup and dive into this fun conversation!
And if you haven’t yet, make sure to visit P.O.P.S for some homemade pasta, incredible salads, and seriously good sandwiches. Trust us, you won’t regret it.
Behind the Brand: P.O.P.S Canton
Q: How did you get started in the restaurant industry?
A: Like many others, my first job was as a Bus Boy at a local neighborhood Italian restaurant where everyone knew everyone. It was such a unique environment where everyone was excited to see other people coming in and everyone liked each other. The folks that worked there had been there for a long time, and they loved me! I learned the value of hard work. When I worked my butt off and helped them, they paid me more. Learning that I could make more money by making more of an impact was the best lesson I have ever learned. The free food also helped a ton!
Q: What is your favorite dish at P.O.P.S?
I love the Sausage and Broccoli Rabe pasta. Sweet fennel Italian sausage paired with bitter, leafy broccoli rabe, studded with cherry peppers for spice is the perfect accompaniment to our homemade pasta. Simple, fresh and delicious!
Q: What fuels your passions?
A: This world can be a tough place. When you encounter people that make life a little more positive it makes all the difference in the world. Simple, genuine gestures of hospitality can make this world a better place.
Q: If you didn't own a restaurant, what would you be doing?
A: I'm not sure... Still working in the restaurant industry, I imagine, dreaming about owning my own one day.
Q: How did you get started partnering with Bizarre Coffee?
A: It's been our goal to be a great neighborhood place and community is so important to us. Knowing we wanted to serve coffee and knowing that whatever else we could get would never compete with Bizarre it immediately felt like the right thing to do. They were so awesome in helping us create a blend that works perfectly with our menu and I could not ask for a better cup of coffee!
Q: What is your favorite Bizarre Coffee drink?
A: I'm a purist and an old soul - I just love hot black coffee. The Jude's Brew is my favorite blend other than the POPS blend of course!
Q: And lastly, we always have to ask, what makes you weird?!
A: I'm a creature of habit and when I find something I like, I stick to it. When I find a shirt I like, I buy it every color. When I find a show or movie I like, I watch it over and over and over and over again. I listen to the same music over and over. It's not that I don't like to experience new things, just that I like to unwind in my own little world of comfort.
Make sure to visit P.O.P.S & try a cup of their P.O.P.S Dark Roast Blend! ☕️
