Sweet Republic, the popular ice cream shop known for its handcrafted treats, is set to open a new location in Old Town Scottsdale on March 1, co-owner Helen Yung announced in a statement to The Republic.
The path to opening Sweet Republic was far from conventional for Yung and co-owner Jan Wichayanuparp. Both former investment bankers in New York, they made a life-changing decision following the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center. The event prompted them to reassess their careers and pursue something that would bring joy to others. Yung trained at Le Cordon Bleu, while Wichayanuparp traveled through Hong Kong, Singapore, and Bangkok to refine her palate. Together, they chose ice cream as their new venture, believing it was a simple yet powerful way to “make people happy.”
Since launching Sweet Republic in Scottsdale in 2008, the duo has expanded with additional locations in Phoenix and Tempe. The business has garnered significant accolades, including a spot in Bon Appetit’s Top 10 Best Ice Cream Shops and a feature on Food Network’s The Best Thing I Ever Ate: Ice Creamy! by Alton Brown. Yung’s Salted Butter Caramel was recognized by Bon Appetit, while her Banana Toffee Sundae won Brown’s admiration, and the Ultimate Sundae was highlighted in a Good Stuff column.
As they open their fourth location, Yung and Wichayanuparp remain dedicated to maintaining the quality of their handcrafted ice creams, ensuring their growth does not compromise the flavor and experience customers have come to love.
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