Photo from Pleasant Pops’ Facebook page.

When Brian Sykora and Roger Horowitz started Pleasant Pops in 2010, it was a small operation—the two former UNC roommates sold their refreshing Mexican-inspired fruit pops out of a small cart at farmers’ markets. Soon they upgraded to a food truck (Big Poppa, they called it), and this week they announced the next step in their small company’s evolution—they’re opening a brick-and-mortar location just off of U Street NW.

At some point this summer, the store that once housed a Rita’s Ice on Florida Avenue just north of U Street near 18th Street will become the Pleasant Pops Farmhouse Market & Cafe. What’s their vision for the market? They explain:

Inspired by DC area farmers’ markets, our vision is to create a year-round community market and gathering place in the heart of Northwest D.C. We’ll feature a selection of seasonal local produce, dairy, farm goods, sandwiches, locally roasted coffees, and our original pop creations.Here’s what’s even more exciting: we’ll be open year round at Florida Avenue and 18th St. – conveniently located between Adams Morgan, Dupont, and U St.

Though the lease is signed, they’re looking for help to make sure they open on time. Over the next month, they’re hoping to raise $20,000 through a Kickstarter campaign so that they can build a commercial kitchen with which to increase production from two to seven days a week, design outdoor signage, create handcrafted tables, and market products from local farms and producers. Donate $25 or more and you get an invite to the store’s opening night party; give $1,000 and you get to name a flavor and are entitled to a free pop every time you walk in the door.