It's been a long time coming -- or at least it probably feels like it if you're an ice cream fanatic -- but the third location of Sweet Republic ice cream opened its doors yesterday in Central Phoenix. This newest Sweet Republic comes just over a month after the opening of the second location inside Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.
The retail ice cream shop is located at 6054 North 16th Street, north of Bethany Home Road. Owner Jan Wichayanuparp says Sweet Republic is excited to be a part of a Phoenix neighborhood with history behind it and a real sense of community.
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Though you'll still find the 24 flavors of ice cream Sweet Republic fans have come to love at the original Scottsdale location, there are a few new options available at the Phoenix store. They include a Salted Caramel Shake ($6.75) that includes three scoops of salted butter caramel ice cream and salted caramel sauces and a Strawberry Creamsicle Shake ($6.25) that combines two scoops of strawberry sorbet and one scoop of vanilla ice cream.
A new Island Float has also been added, with coconut sorbet and lemon lime soda.
You'll also find Sweet Republic's housemade marshmallows, salted caramels, and bacon brittle for sale at the new spot. And you won't be able to miss the scent of the freshly baked cookies and waffle cones. Pints will be available for purchase as well.
As far as the design, you can bet it's bright, clean, and in keeping with the style of the first location. The store can seat about 20 people inside at four-person tables and at a short bar with tall, blue stools. Almost all of the wood you'll see in the ice creamery -- on the menu, tables, benches, and patio wall -- is reclaimed and makes for a perfect counterbalance to the sunny, yellow brick accent wall in the entrance.
At some point in the future, owner Helen Yung says they'll start using the walk-up window off their small, three-table patio. But for now, they're going to focus on getting the counter service down pat.
Even the bathroom is well-designed with white subway tiles (with dark blue grout) and a set of photos that show the business that once inhabited the buildings in the surrounding neighborhood. Those include a snapshot of the old Wallace & Ladmo Drive-In and Hobe Meats, which is still in business just up the road.
Sweet Republic will be open from noon to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from noon to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturdays.
For more photos of the new space, click through to the next page.
