The Polar Cup makes a comeback in Bradenton. The icy treat also will be hitting the road
For Bradenton residents of a certain age, The Polar Cup holds a special place among their childhood memories.
That’s even though the sweet, icy treat disappeared from the Bradenton area in the mid-1990s.
Mike Micochero first encountered The Polar Cup in 1986, after football practice at Southeast High School.
“I fell in love with The Polar Cup as a kid and we would enjoy this treat all of the time — especially after football practices,” Micohero said.
Lakia Earley first experienced The Polar Cup in 1983 at Moody Elementary School.
Neither ever forgot The Polar Cup, nor did scores of others. The “Bring Back Polar Cup” Facebook page has more than 1,300 followers.
“The flavor is out of this world,” Earley said.
With so many yearning for the return of The Polar Cup, Micochero decided that he and his family would do just that.
In November, Micochero, with his wife Diane, son Michael, and daughter Cindy, outfitted a van and started serving the Bradenton-Sarasota area.
By this summer, the family plans to have three vans in service, with one van reserved for special events and the other two to serve designated routes. Another possibility in the future: a brick-and-mortar store.
Micochero and his family plan to expand the company throughout Southwest Florida.
In the old days, The Polar Cup also had delivery vans, and a store that was located at 51st Street West and Manatee Avenue West.
“The adults all know The Polar Cup. Now we are trying to re-introduce it to the children,” Micochero said. “The Polar Cup was such a big part of our lives and it’s incredible to hear stories of people introducing their kids and grandkids to their favorite blast from the past.”
Micochero, an Otis Spunkmeyer representative, plans to add appearances by The Polar Cup to prize packages for local schools.
Flavors include lemon, watermelon, cherry, strawberry, mango, pineapple, pina colada and sour apple.
The company is available for corporate events, parties, weddings, sporting events and more. For now, The Polar Cup van operates Friday, Saturday and Sunday, unless there is a special event. By this summer, the van will be on the road six days a week, Micochero said.
To learn more or to contact The Polar Cup for an event, and to view a schedule of upcoming events, visit https://thepolarcup.com/ or check their Facebook page.
