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A scoop shop can be a neighborhood landmark when it pairs bold flavors with a true spirit of welcome. We sit down with Jimmy Anderson of Sweet Aloha Ice Cream to unpack how a military-to-corporate journey led to a homemade, Hawaiian-inspired concept in Davie, Florida—and why service with real aloha turns casual visits into lasting community ties.

Jimmy walks us through the evolution from Hollyboy’s Shave Ice in California to Sweet Aloha in South Florida, where the menu blends tradition and island flair. Think ube, Kona coffee chocolate chip, and a South Florida favorite called cafe con le Kona—a playful nod to cafe con leche with Oreos. Add in Italian rainbow cookie for nostalgic punch and tropical staples like macadamia nut and pineapple, all crafted in-house alongside shave ice and syrups. By sourcing natural extracts and iterating with the seasons, the team keeps flavors vibrant while honoring local tastes.

Beyond the glass, we dig into what it takes to keep a small food business healthy: cash flow discipline, process-driven operations, and a culture where employees carry the mission. Jimmy explains why he favors corporate-owned stores with local family partners over traditional franchising, aiming to scale without losing authenticity. We also touch on the myths of “cursed locations,” the reality of 12-hour days, and the payoff of building a team that treats guests like neighbors.

If you’re curious about flavor innovation, building a resilient brand, or how aloha culture translates into memorable customer service, this conversation delivers practical insights and heartfelt stories. Explore the menu, plan a visit to the Davie end-cap on State Road 84 near Pine Island, and taste what a community-driven dessert shop can be. Enjoyed the conversation? Follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review—what flavor should we try next?

For more information visit https://sweetalohaicecream.com/ or follow Sweet Ahola on social media (https://www.instagram.com/sweetalohadaviefl/) to stay up to date on the deliciousness they create daily!