From Tricycles to Food Truck Parks: The Pedal Pops Story in Northwest Arkansas
I Am Northwest Arkansas®
The Birth of Pedal Pops: From Nostalgia to Healthy Treats
This chapter explores the transition from the corporate world to entrepreneurship through the creation of Pedal Pops, a unique healthy frozen dessert. It highlights the founders' nostalgic vision, the inspiration from a tricycle, and the challenges they faced with regulations in crafting guilt-free, all-natural pops.
About the Show:
This episode is part of a special series supported by the Walton Family Foundation. Through their Home Region program, the Foundation is investing in the people and ideas shaping Northwest Arkansas—across housing, entrepreneurship, transportation, and leadership.
In this episode, we explore the world of local entrepreneurship and community-building with Lynn Wong and Mike Thompson of Pedal Pops and Pedal Park. Host Randy Wilburn sits down with Lynn and Mike to hear their journey from corporate careers and dreams of an ice cream shop to building a thriving local business serving all-natural fruit pops and ice creams in Farmington, AR. The conversation dives into the evolution of their business, their commitment to healthy and local ingredients, and how Pedal Park has grown into a true community hub, supporting fellow entrepreneurs and providing space for local food trucks, events, and gatherings.
Lynn and Mike share insights on working with local partners like Ozark Natural Foods and area breweries, developing creative flavors, navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, and why community collaboration is at the heart of their work. Whether discussing pop-up collaboration with nonprofits, fostering a welcoming environment for all, or offering advice to aspiring small business owners, their story highlights the unique spirit of innovation and togetherness in Benton and Washington Counties.
Tune in for an inspiring look at how local ideas and partnerships are shaping the culture and economy of Northwest Arkansas, and learn how Pedal Pops and Pedal Park are making a sweet difference in the region!
Key Takeaways:
- Resilient Local Business: Pedal Pops grew from a kitchen experiment to a beloved local brand by focusing on all-natural ingredients, market feedback, and creative flavors tailored to what the community wants.
- Community Collaboration: Pedal Park operates as more than just a food truck park—it's a center for celebrating diversity, supporting fellow entrepreneurs, and fostering lasting relationships among small business owners.
- Innovation Meets Tradition: By reimagining nostalgic treats to be dairy-free and health-conscious, and by partnering with local brewers for boozy pops, the founders offer something for every palate and occasion.
- Inclusive Gathering Space: Pedal Park hosts trivia, bingo nights, live music, pop-up markets, and events like “Theology on Tap,” cementing its role as Farmington’s go-to place for connection, creativity, and local flavor.
- Inspired Entrepreneurship: Mike and Lynn share candid advice for new business owners, spotlight area resources like EforAll, Startup Junkie, and commercial kitchens, and encourage others to take “baby steps” and build on the region’s collaborative spirit.
All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast.
Important Links and Mentions on the Show*
- Pedal Pops & Pedal Park
- Website: pedalpops.com
- Food Truck Park Info: pedalparknwa.com
- Address: 169 West Main Street, Farmington, AR 72730
- Ozark Natural Foods – Longstanding wholesale partner and champion for local producers.
- EforAll, Startup Junkie, AFIC @ Market Center of the Ozarks, Bartleby’s Kitchen, ASBTDC – Find resources for Northwest Arkansas entrepreneurs.
- Canopy NWA & Inspired Hands Bakery – Pop-up vendors and community partners.
- Other Food Trucks at Pedal Park: Yummy Yangs, Curry and Go, El Jefe Taqueria, Daisy and Dois (Cajun eats)
- Shoutouts: Black Apple Cider, Neal Family Farms, local breweries and cideries.
- Farmington United Methodist Church – Theology on Tap hosts.
- FindItNWA.com NWA’s Hyperlocal Business Directory
Tune in to KUAF 91.3 FM to listen to the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast on Ozarks at Large every Tuesday at 12 Noon and 7 PM CST. And, check us out on their podcast as well.
This episode is sponsored by*
The Walton Family Foundation
About the Walton Family Foundation
The Walton Family Foundation is, at its core, a family-led foundation. Three generations of the descendants of founders Sam and Helen Walton, and their spouses, work together to lead the foundation and create access to opportunity for people and communities. The foundation works in three areas: improving education, protecting rivers and oceans and the communities they support, and investing in the home region of Northwest Arkansas and the Arkansas–Mississippi Delta.
Learn more at waltonfamilyfoundation.org
*Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.
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Thank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks.
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Mentioned in this episode:
Winetopia 2025
We’re back at the barn! Winetopia is THE annual event that highlights the best of what our NWA Community has to offer, and we are thrilled to be back at the Barn at the Stonebreaker this year! Winetopia is where you can taste incredible top-tier wine, local craft beer, top-shelf bourbon, a variety of other spirits from our favorite local distilleries, AND hand-crafted mocktails. A specially-selected menu from Stonebreaker catering and our favorite Mia Tarts round out the evening! A ticket is all you need to access one of the most special nights of the year. Your favorite features from Winetopia will be there - the famous wine toss with Carny in the Corner, DJ Shortfuze spinning smooth tracks all night long, and the best silent auction around! You’ve been waiting all year for this event, and it’s now around the corner! We cannot wait to see you there!
Apple Seeds An Evening at the Farm, Saturday, October 11th, 2025
Evening at the Farm is a celebration of community and togetherness. Gather with friends, family, and fellow food enthusiasts for a memorable farm-to-table meal. What began as a small gathering has grown into one of our most beloved traditions, celebrating the flavors of the season and the community that makes it all possible. By attending this event, you'll not only treat yourself to an unforgettable culinary experience but also support our mission to empower and nourish our community.
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