Peoria’s culinary landscape has evolved with the opening of Crazy Pop, a new concept that is blending the trending world of “dirty sodas” with classic comfort food. What began as a mobile pop-up venture based out of Prophetstown has officially transitioned into a permanent storefront, settling into the food court at Northwoods Mall.
The shop, co-owned by Alyssa Kulm and Chad Kohl, occupies the space previously held by Spudtacular. Following a successful soft opening on October 22, the establishment celebrated its grand opening on October 24, inviting local shoppers and food enthusiasts to experience its unique menu.
## A New Culinary Experience in the Digital Age
While Crazy Pop focuses on physical dining, the brand is leveraging modern digital strategies to build its presence in Peoria. To bridge the gap between their brick-and-mortar storefront and their growing customer base, the owners have implemented a sophisticated digital rewards program. By utilizing mobile-responsive web interfaces, customers can track their spending, where every dollar earns a point toward free upgrades and exclusive menu items.
The integration of these digital loyalty tools mirrors broader trends in the hospitality industry, where small businesses are increasingly adopting cloud-based customer relationship management (CRM) systems to compete with national chains. By digitizing their rewards system, Kulm and Kohl are effectively turning casual shoppers into a data-driven community of repeat customers.
## The Evolution of the “Dirty Soda” Trend
At the heart of the business is the popular “dirty soda” concept—a beverage trend that has gained significant traction online through platforms like TikTok and Instagram. By mixing sodas with various flavored syrups, creams, and purees, Crazy Pop is tapping into a market segment that values customization and social media-friendly aesthetics.
Beyond the drinks, the menu features a variety of quick-service items, including loaded nachos, artisanal hot dogs, and pizza. The inclusion of “crazy combos” and “crazy bundles”—priced at $10 and $13 respectively—is designed to cater to the mall’s high-traffic environment, where efficiency and value are paramount. This move toward bundle-based pricing is a classic retail strategy enhanced by digital menu boards that allow the owners to adjust offerings in real-time based on inventory and consumer demand.
## Growth and Future Prospects
For Kulm and Kohl, the jump from a regional pop-up to a permanent fixture in Northwoods Mall represents a strategic scaling of their brand. During the planning stages, the owners identified Peoria as the ideal location to transform their concept into a recognizable, scalable enterprise.
“We’re bringing the flavor, the fun, and a whole lot of CRAZY to Peoria,” the business stated on social media. The decision to establish a physical presence in a regional mall suggests a confidence in the future of in-person retail experiences, even as more consumers move toward digital food ordering and delivery apps.
As the business settles into its new home, it serves as a testament to the resilience of small businesses that can successfully combine traditional service with modern tech-forward marketing. By blending the physical experience of a “dirty soda” bar with an accessible, app-integrated rewards program, Crazy Pop is positioning itself as a modern retail success story in Central Illinois. Whether locals are stopping by for a quick lunch or a specialty beverage, the shop aims to be a cornerstone of the Northwoods Mall food court experience for the foreseeable future.
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