Opening a downtown location seemed like the right next step for Las Delicias, said Sonia Brassell, marketing director for Las Delicias.
Brassell said the shop looks forward to being close to downtown events, local businesses, families, and the college community.
“It gives us the opportunity to become a part of a growing and active area of the city,” she said. “Downtown brings together local businesses, families, students, and visitors. We are excited to offer a fun place where people can enjoy handcrafted ice cream, paletas, and authentic Latin snacks.”
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The downtown shop, located on 714 Harkrider St., will open Thursday (July 30). Its hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week.
Las Delicias, a local favorite in Conway owned by Francisco Yanez, is a dessert shop that offers Latin-inspired treats, including ice cream, gelato, paletas, fresh fruit, churros, and more.
This will be the shop’s third location in central Arkansas, including one in north Conway and another in Russellville. Brassell was clear Las Delicias’s expansion into downtown Conway did not mean its other location would close.
“Our north Conway location is not closing,” she said. “It is our original Conway store and will continue serving the community as usual. The downtown location is an expansion that gives customers another convenient place to enjoy Las Delicias.”
The downtown location is a renovation of the old Hines Service Center, which relocated to Bruce Street. The 4,680-square-foot shop will provide Las Delicias with more production area, dedicated walk-in coolers, and a walk-in freezer.
“These additions allow us to increase production, better support our wholesale and distribution operations, and continue providing the high-quality products our customers expect,” Brassell said.
The new location will also allow Las Delicias to introduce school tours where students can see firsthand how the shop makes its homemade ice cream, paletas, and other products.
“We hope to create a fun and educational experience that gives children a behind-the-scenes look at the process while inspiring curiosity about food production and entrepreneurship,” Brassell said.
The new location will also create space for private parties and gatherings, and allow Las Delicias to expand its catering services, fundraising events, push-cart rentals, food truck events, and wholesale partnerships.
“This new location represents an exciting milestone for our family and our business,” Brassell said. “It allows us to better serve the Conway community, expand our capabilities, and continue sharing authentic Latin flavors with even more people. We can’t wait to welcome everyone through our doors.”