Meet Andrea/Candace King/Melton | Former Educator/Real Estate Agent & Co-owners of King of Pops

We had the good fortune of connecting with Andrea/Candace King/Melton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andrea/Candace, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Candace Melton and Andrea King have been best friends for 43 years, growing up side by side and sharing a lifetime of adventures. We had done everything together except start a business. While vacationing in Cabo in 2024, we came across King of Pops in the airport. As we waited on our flight, we filled out the application and began to dream about creating unexpected moments of happiness and building a legacy.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
With over 3o years in real estate and education, Candace and Andrea’s careers have always been centered on people— building relationships, creating community and helping others find a sense of home. That same spirit is what inspired the business partners and best friends of 43 years to bring the first King of Pops franchise to Texas.

When we discovered King of Pops, we instantly connected with its joyful, community driven energy. We saw an opportunity to share that positivity with our area-creating small moments of happiness that bring people together. Watching someone smile while enjoying one of our pops reminds us why we took this leap.

Transitioning from real estate/education to a new business wasn’t easy, but it’s been incredibly rewarding. The biggest lesson we’ve learned is it’s never too late to reinvent yourself, to chase new dreams, and keep leading with heart. For us, King of Pops isn’t just about a frozen treats—it’s about joy, connection, and community, one pop at a time.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If our best friend were visiting Houston, we’d want them to experience the heart and soul of the city—the food, the culture, and of course, the fun. We’d start with breakfast at one of Houston’s favorite local spots, maybe the Breakfast Klub for their famous chicken and waffles, then spend the afternoon exploring Discovery Green or taking a stroll through Buffalo Bayou Park to soak in the city’s skyline.

Andrea, being a true Houston Texan fan, would absolutely make sure a Texans game at the NRG Stadium was on the itinerary—that’s non-negotiable! There’s nothing quite like the energy of a hometown crowd cheering on their team.

We’d mix in a little shopping at The Galleria, catch some live music in Midtown or The Heights, and of course, stop by some of our favorite local markets and pop-up events where King of Pops often makes an appearance. We love being part of those moments where people come together to enjoy good food, local art, and great company.

To round out the week, we’d make time for dinner at one of Houston’s incredible restaurants—Mastro’s, Pappadeaux, Cafe Adobe, or a cozy local favorite—and finish the evening with a stroll through City Centre, just taking in the vibe of the city we’re so proud to call home.

Houston is full of hidden gems and warm people, and no matter where you go, there’s always something exciting to see, taste, or experience. That’s what makes showing it off to friends so special.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, we would like to thank our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He has ordered our steps, sustained our strength, and blessed us beyond measure during this journey. We would like to thank Steve & Nick Carse for entrusting us to be King of Pops’ very first franchisees in Texas. We would also like to thank our parents and children for their unyielding support, encouragement, and assistance.

Website: www.kingofpops/franchises/south-houston

Instagram: @KOP-southhouston

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kopsouthhouston#

Other: Email: south_houston@kingofpops.com