Sweet Town

Walk in and experience a world of charming welcome.

As you enter, in front of you is an ice cream counter, a display case filled with cakes and lollipops in every shape and color. Behind you is a room full of things: gifts, collectibles, toys, cards, pretties. It makes it a little hard to decide which way to turn.

But at Sweet Town, Fountain Hills’ newest establishment featuring ice cream treats and other delectables, either choice is a winner.

Take the food side: There are no fewer than 24 flavors of Blue Bell ice cream. There are specialty sundaes, as well as basic ones. Shakes and malts, floats, cakes, cookies and more are available.

On the gift side, you will find unique gifts. Fender Guitars has fashioned miniatures of the life-size versions. There is a line of wacky cows that are similar to the Trail of Painted Ponies, as well as some fanciful Dachshund figurines. A family favorite are the whimsical bulldogs.

Sweet Town is owned by sisters Dina Carres and Christina Karp. The sisters have opened a shop that features old-fashioned ideals in a modern setting.

“We are making sundaes the way they used to be made,” said Karp. “We have great ice cream, great toppings and a great atmosphere. We think this is something Fountain Hills has needed.”

In addition to the expected vanilla, chocolate and strawberry ice cream flavors, the unexpected pistachio almond, “moo-llenium” crunch, banana pudding and birthday cake also are available. You can get your scoops in a waffle cone, a sugar cone or a regular cone or in a bowl if you prefer.

There are shakes and malts, cakes and cookies and floats. And then there are the sundaes.

“Regular” Sweet Town sundaes are made with two scoops of ice cream and a choice of hot fudge, caramel, pineapple, strawberry, marshmallow, chocolate syrup, mango, kiwi lime, white chocolate or raspberry. Each is topped with nuts or sprinkles, whipped cream and of course, a cherry.

The regular Sweet Town sundaes may satisfy a sweet tooth, but in case you need more, specialty sundaes are offered. With names like “The Sweet Town Cream Puff,” “Grecian Goddess,” “Bundt Cake Bliss,” “Brownie Delight,” “Deez Nutz” and “Banana Royal,” you can just imagine how difficult it could be when making your selection. And if those choices aren’t enough, there’s the old standby banana split.

For a crowd, Carres and Karp suggest the “Sweet Town Extravaganza:” 10 flavors of ice cream, five gooey toppings of your choice, nuts, sprinkles, whipped cream and cherries.

“People can have a party with the extravaganza,” Carres said.

The ice cream shop side also features a selection of cakes.

“We decided not to feature traditional ice cream cakes,” Carres said. “You can get those at the store.”

So if someone wants cake and ice cream separately, Sweet Town fills the bill. Cakes will be sold by the slice or by the whole cake.

Cheesecakes also are available with flavors such as crème brulee cheesecake, chocolate, New York and others. There is even a “Teddy bar,” a chocolate covered cheesecake on a stick.

When you have had your fill of ice cream, you can mosey to the gift section, where the sisters say visitors will find “amazing” gifts.

“People are going to be really happy to find unique gifts available exclusively in our store,” Karp said.

There also is a comic book section, some antiques and “lots” of collectibles.

“You definitely will find something you like,” Carres said.

Inventory will change often, so customers will want to make frequent visits. The sisters also are planning special holiday offerings, with appropriate decorations and merchandise.

“We are planning some special events, as well,” Karp said.

Give-aways for children, 10 percent off to students with ID cards and a frequent scooper card are among the plans. The grand opening for the store is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 16 and 17.

“We’ll have lots of fun things over those two days,” Carres said.

Sweet Town is located at 16754 E. Glenbrook Blvd., next to Jimmy’s Krazy Greek, their parents’ restaurant. The sisters continue to help in the next-door establishment.

For information and hours call (480) 836-0101.

This story was featured September 2006.