A delectably creamy Hawaiian dessert, originating in California and nurtured by culinary aficionados in the Bay Area, is set to make a triumphant return home.
Banán, a soft-serve shop founded by four childhood friends on Oahu, is unveiling its inaugural West Coast location in San Francisco’s Noe Valley on Sunday. This frozen delight, primarily crafted from bananas and seasonal fruits, embodies a heartwarming tale of innovation and friendship.
“We stumbled upon this idea for banana ice cream during a road trip in 2014,” recounted Zak Barry, one of Banán’s operating partners, in an interview with SFGATE. “We weren’t vegan or anything but just fell in love with this silly machine called the Yonanas and how it turns fruit into ice cream.”
Originating as a humble food truck at the base of Diamond Head, Banán quickly gained traction with flavors like Choc Haupia, Strawberry Lilikoi, and Yuzu Yum Yum. With a commitment to utilizing Hawaii’s famed crops, particularly bananas, the friends expanded their enterprise to include six brick-and-mortar locations across the island.
Described as “if an acai bowl and frozen yogurt had a hippie love child,” Banán’s dairy-free soft serve boasts a base of bananas and water, devoid of stabilizers or additives. Each flavor boasts a minimalistic ingredient list, showcasing the natural creaminess of bananas while championing Hawaii’s local agriculture.
Despite facing setbacks during the pandemic, including the closure of four shops, Banán persevered with guidance from mentors, notably Alan Clifford, a former Sweetgreen executive. Inspired by their college kitchen experiments and enamored with San Francisco’s vibrant community, the team chose Noe Valley for their West Coast expansion.
“We fell in love with Noe Valley because it hits all of the brand pillars that have been most important to our success in Hawaii,” Barry explained. “It is community-oriented, family-friendly, and health-focused.”
With plans for further expansion in Northern California, Banán aims to highlight seasonal fruits and locally sourced ingredients, collaborating with renowned establishments like B. Patisserie for delectable toppings.
Barry’s relocation to San Francisco heralds not only the launch of Banán’s first continental U.S. shop but also a return to cherished outdoor adventures, reminiscent of college days spent surfing in Santa Cruz.
