Coppelia Reopens in Havana After Renovation, Faces Challenges with Limited Offerings and Payment Methods

The iconic Coppelia ice cream parlor, a renowned gastronomic symbol in Havana, is set to reopen this week after undergoing renovations that began last November. However, the reopening comes with certain restrictions on available flavors and payment options, likely to cause frustration among patrons, as reported by the official outlet Tribuna de La Habana.

According to Yeny González Ortiz, head of services at the Business Unit of Base (UEB) of the Recreatur Company, the ice cream parlor will operate from Tuesday to Sunday, between 10:00 a.m. and 9:15 p.m., offering a menu based on specialties. She stated that traditional ice cream options such as the "ensalada," "tres gracias," "super twins," and the three types of "vacas" (white, dark, spotted), "jimaguas," "arlequín," and "sunday" will still be available, along with new creations like "Las 4 Joyas."

However, González Ortiz noted that the consistent availability of these specialties and flavors will depend on supplier deliveries, thus limiting each person to a maximum of two specialty choices. This measure aims to ensure product availability throughout the day, highlighting the system's challenges in providing a stable supply.

The ice cream offered will be the Coppelia brand, produced at the Boyeros factory, and the confections will be supplied by UEB Confitera Gamby. One of the notable changes is the mandatory use of electronic payments in several sections of the establishment. In areas A and C, as well as at Las 4 Joyas, payments can only be made through the EnZona and Transfermóvil platforms. In area B, La Cancha, and La Torre, customers have the option to pay electronically or with cash.

As part of its social responsibility policy, Coppelia will reserve a weekly slot at La Torre for children from psychopedagogical centers, orphanages, and special education institutions, allowing them to enjoy recreational activities and gastronomic offerings. Additionally, members of the University Student Federation (FEU) will have access to a designated area at Las 4 Joyas with preferential pricing below standard rates.

The renovation process included updating hydraulic and electrical networks, painting all areas, and installing new awnings. Despite these improvements, the limitations in offerings and payment restrictions are anticipated to draw criticism from regular customers, reflecting the economic challenges facing the establishment and the sector at large. The instability in flavor availability and the requirement for digital payments in several areas demonstrate the hurdles the state-run commerce system in Cuba faces in maintaining efficient and accessible services.

Earlier this year, the news portal CubaNet reported that the iconic Coppelia, dubbed the "Ice Cream Cathedral," would reopen with a new price of 25 Cuban pesos per scoop, an increase "justified" by the high cost of raw materials. This information was relayed to the employees during a meeting with the president of the Grupo Empresarial del Comercio Interior de La Habana.

In addition to the price hike, efforts are underway to restore accompaniments such as cookies and chocolates through negotiations with related companies. Plans also include updating staff uniforms and enhancing the establishment's aesthetics. These measures aim to prevent another closure due to raw material shortages, a situation that has occurred in the past.