Oxsicles owner Elizabeth Speed has spent the last several years building up her popsicle business around the LOU community but is now looking to sell the business and pursue other ventures.

“It’s been an absolute joy being the popsicle lady for the past five seasons but it is time for me to go in a new direction,” Speed said.

Speed purchased the business from founder Lauren Klimetz in 2020 and has grown the business despite a rocky start during Covid. Today, it has five retail locations located around Oxford, on the Ole Miss campus and in Water Valley.

Oxsicles has been seen at public events such as the Oxford Community Farmers Market, Double Decker, Ole Miss home football games, the Sunset Series in the Grove, and also does catering orders.

“Being such an integral part of the community has been one of the most rewarding parts of running Oxsicles,” Speed said.

Oxsicles uses fresh and local ingredients whenever possible. Many of the pops are sweetened with local ingredients such as honey from Mardis Bee Farm. A fan favorite has also been the seasonal selections like the Just Peachy pop made with Cherry Creek Orchards peaches.

“A big part of Oxsicles has always been partnering with local providers,” Speed said, adding that she hopes new ownership will continue to play that role.

“My whole family has adored Oxsicles for years and my (now) teen sons still look for the cart during local events,” said Aimee Nezhukumatathil, one of Oxsicles’ loyal customers. “Oxsicles are a cherished and delicious part of the entire town’s fabric, not only for the health-conscious and locally sourced ingredients but because supporting a beloved small business right here in Oxford means investing back into our community.”

Jeff Jones from the Oxford School District said Oxsicles has been at the OSD’s last two career fairs.

“The Center for Student Success and First-Year Experience at Ole Miss has chosen to work with Oxsicles for events as a treat for our students because they are truly delicious,” he said. “We love the flavors offered and the convenience Oxsicles offers to us during each event. Our students love the special finals treat in May and the fun welcome back to school in August.”

Oxsicles is Health Department-certified with a dedicated commercial kitchen. The kitchen houses the Robopop machine, which can make up to 350 popsicles an hour and is among the equipment included in the business’s sale.

Speed hopes to find a new buyer by early Spring and will honor all existing retail and catering orders until the business sells.