Sunset Slush of the Blue Ridge to open storefront in Valdese

Fans of Sunset Slush of the Blue Ridge’s Italian ice will soon be able to have their favorite frozen treat year-round with the opening of the business’ brick-and-mortar location in Valdese.

For nine years, Amy Garrison and family have operated the business as a mobile vendor, popping up at festivals, churches, and parking lots to dole out flavorful, sorbet-like ice.

Opening a storefront has been a goal from the beginning, Garrison said.

“Life in general sort of held me back from taking that leap of faith. … And then, the opportunity came up there in Valdese and we decided it was time to try it.”

Garrison expects to open the store at 440 Main St. E tentatively on July 30, barring any setbacks.

A nurse by trade, Garrison said Sunset Slush has been her “fun job” since 2017. She has continued working as a nurse and expects to stay active in the medical field after Sunset Slush’s store opens.

“Once a nurse, always a nurse,” she said.

While Sunset Slush is a larger company with its own brand, locations are owned by independent operators like Garrison.

Garrison’s interest was sparked during a beach vacation, when she and family stopped by Sunset Slush of North Myrtle Beach every night.

She opened her own Sunset Slush operation on a whim not long later.

The biggest challenge on the horizon is greater overhead cost, Garrison said.

“Trying to figure out the finances of the business will be a little challenging, I think, but we’re looking forward to the challenge,” she said optimistically.

Even with a brick-and-mortar store, Garrison said Sunset Slush of the Blue Ridge will still set up as a vendor at some events.

DAIRY- and GLUTEN-FREE ITALIAN ICE

Sunset Slush’s gourmet Italian ice is largely free of gluten, dairy, and allergens, Garrison said, making it an excellent treat for people with dietary restrictions. However, ice coffee flavors typically contain dairy derivatives. Garrison said she warns people about that.

“Italian ice is different than Hawaiian ice and shaved ice. Our ice comes already made,” Garrison said. “We actually shave it off the top, and it’s served as scoops, so it has a smooth texture like a sorbet.”

Garrison said all Sunset Slush independent owners purchase their Italian ice from the same company, meaning no matter where the customer is, the product is always the same.

Their ice is sold by the scoop, Garrison said. A regular, two-scoop serving costs about $5, while the smaller child-size serving is $3.

The business also sells $10 koozies and $20 metal tumblers. Customers who purchase one of the reusable containers pay just $1.50 by the scoop for each refill, allowing them to save on future visits.