Launching July 3rd, Four Iconic Train Lines Become Ice Cream Flavors National Ice Cream Day Giveaways Planned Across Select CTA Stations
Get ready, Chicago; two iconic local institutions are coming together to make your summer commutes a little sweeter. This July, beloved Logan Square ice cream shop Pretty Cool Ice Cream and the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) are joining forces for a limited-edition collaboration featuring custom train-line-inspired pops, a special National Ice Cream Day giveaway, and a give-back initiative supporting families in need during the holidays.
Taking cues from four of the city's most recognizable train lines, Pretty Cool Ice Cream has created a collection of custom ice cream pops that pay tribute to the colors and nostalgia of riding the "L." Available from July 3rd through August 31st, the pops will be sold exclusively at Pretty Cool Ice Cream's Logan Square shop, located at 2353 N. California Ave.
"Chicago summers are all about finding joy in the little moments, and few things are more nostalgic than hopping on the train and grabbing an ice cream to cool down on a hot day," says Dana Cree, co-founder of Pretty Cool Ice Cream. "We're thrilled to partner with CTA to celebrate the city we love, and we hope these pops bring a little extra fun to people's summer adventures."
The limited-edition lineup includes:
- Brown Line Cookies & Cream – Cookies & Cream ice cream dipped in a chocolate shell and finished with Brown Line sprinkles.
- Orange Line Mango Passionfruit – Mango passionfruit ice cream coated in an orange-flavored shell with Orange Line sprinkles.
- Blue Line Blue Moon – Blue Moon ice cream encased in a vanilla shell and decorated with Blue Line sprinkles.
- Red Line Strawberry Tres Leches – Tres Leches Cake ice cream dipped in a strawberry shell and finished with Red Line sprinkles.
In keeping with the spirit of supporting Chicago families, a portion of proceeds from every CTA-inspired pop sold will benefit the CTA Holiday Food Train. Since 1992, the seasonal train has been a beacon of hope, delivering food baskets to families in need. With help from Santa and his elves aboard the decorated Holiday Train, food baskets are distributed to community organization representatives across the city. Over the years, the initiative has supported more than 11,900 families, ensuring they have a warm meal during the holiday season.
"Our partnership with Pretty Cool Ice Cream captures two of the great joys of summertime in Chicago: enjoying ice cream and exploring every corner of the city on CTA," said CTA Acting President Nora Leerhsen. "But this is more than a fun collaboration--it's a partnership with purpose. Proceeds will benefit the annual CTA Holiday Food Train, continuing our long-standing tradition of giving back to the communities we serve by delivering several hundred food baskets each winter."
To make National Ice Cream Day even sweeter, Pretty Cool Ice Cream and CTA will take the pops on the move. On Sunday, July 19, the partners will pop up at select CTA stations for a special popsicle giveaway. Locations and times will be announced in the coming weeks. Chicagoans can follow @prettycoolicecream and @chicagocta for updates and additional surprises.
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ABOUT PRETTY COOL ICE CREAM
Founded in 2018 by acclaimed pastry chef and two-time James Beard Award finalist Dana Cree and hospitality entrepreneur Michael Ciapciak of Bang Bang Pie, Pretty Cool Ice Cream has become one of Chicago's favorite destinations for frozen novelties. Known for its playful, chef-driven approach, the Logan Square shop has produced more than 1.5 million pops and created more than 300 flavors, earning a devoted following throughout Chicago and beyond.
ABOUT THE CHICAGO TRANSIT AUTHORITY
The Chicago Transit Authority operates the nation's second-largest public transportation system and provides over 1 million rides on an average weekday. Serving the City of Chicago and 35 surrounding suburbs, the CTA's extensive rail and bus network helps connect residents and visitors to neighborhoods, businesses, and cultural destinations across the region.
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