Investment bankers turned churn masters Helen Yung and Jan Wichayanuparp met in New York City and bonded over their shared interest in fine dining. Their journey led them to Arizona, where they launched Sweet Republic in 2008 — arguably the Valley's first true craft ice cream shop, with a strong emphasis on local ingredients, “from Arizona milk to fresh mint from local farms,” Yung says.
In short order, Sweet Republic enchanted Valley ice cream lovers and BOV voters alike. Now with four Valley locations, the company won its first Best Ice Cream/Gelato Readers' Pick in 2016 and has maintained a lock on the category, winning eight of nine years. As a result of the yearly wins, Wichayanuparp says, “We have an extra swagger as we walk into the churn room.”
They continue to innovate. Weekly “fierce flavor meetings” generate offbeat offerings such as coconut cashew curry and dill pickle, and the partners' love for Arizona shines through their work.
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