Soon you'll be able to enjoy more than pops on this patio. (Photo courtesy: King of Pops)
King of Pops is expanding its kingdom. Next Wednesday, the Scott's Addition pop spot at 3001 W. Clay St. will launch The Reign, a new sandwich concept to complement the brand's popular, rotating selection of iced treats.
"We've got the space, Scott's Addition's a hot neighborhood, and when I was thinking about it I was like, 'You know if I had to pick anywhere in Richmond to do any type of food or restaurant thing, I'd choose Scott's Addition,' and here I am already," Richmond King of Pops owner Paul Cassimus says.
The King and his team have been collaborating, testing and tasting their way through a number of savory creations, all with the KoP mantra of freshness in mind. On Wednesday, they'll unleash five sandwiches, all served on Billy Bread, and probably ranging from $6 to $9.
"Our inspiration when we were driving the menu was, 'What do we do with King of Pops when we're creating flavors?'" Cassimus says. "It's bright stuff, fresh ingredients, local when we can, and then putting a different twist on things. You know, we do a chocolate pop but we do chocolate sea salt instead, or instead of plain raspberry, it's raspberry lime. Or we add habanero to pineapple."
So how does this translate to sandwiches?
Next week you'll be able to try Cassimus' current favorite, The Italian Musco, inspired by employee Anthony Muscolino and made with hot capicola, smoked ham, salami, provolone, arugula, red onion, tomato, dijon mustard and mayonnaise; The Turkey Zesto, which is smoked turkey, provolone, pesto, arugula, tomato and red onion; The Ham Jam, a combination of smoked ham, cheese, pepper jelly, arugula, tomato and red onion; The Best Grilled Cheese, made from gouda, sharp cheddar and Monterey jack; and The Chive Turkey, which is made with smoked turkey, chive cream cheese and golden raisins.
All of The Reign's sandwiches can be served hot or cold, but for the some who like it hot, your meal will get some extra zing from an orange-zest butter that's spread on the outer slices before the sandwich gets pressed. The team will be making them in the Pops kitchen, but should the concept become a success, Cassimus says he may move it to a designated Reign space elsewhere. Until then, he's considering offering boxed lunches and catering, and preparing food for some of the local breweries. Who knows, he says, there may even be a sandwich cart further down the road.
King of Pops is located at 3001 W. Clay St. and is open on Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 7 p.m. Sandwiches will be available during all business hours, starting Wednesday, April 6.
