Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Flrury.
Hi Chris, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Sweet Alps Ice Cream began with a dream that crossed an ocean. We are Chris and Cathrine Flury, a Swiss couple who moved from the Alps to Uruguay and later to Florida in 2016, carrying one big idea — to bring the taste of authentic, handcrafted ice cream inspired by the Swiss Alps and the rich variety of chocolates from our homeland to Florida.
In Switzerland, ice cream is about more than sweetness — it’s about purity, quality, and tradition. We wanted to combine those Alpine values with the fun creativity of American ice cream culture. In June 2023, that dream came true when we opened Sweet Alps Ice Cream in Summerfield, Florida. Every scoop we make is handcrafted in our shop using natural, high-quality ingredients — just like we did back home, but with the creativity and inspiration we’ve found here in the U.S.
What started as a small family business has quickly become a community favorite, known for our signature flavors like Pistachio, Salted Caramel, Butterscotch Crunch, and Strawberry — which even earned a red ribbon at the 2024 North American Ice Cream Association convention in Savannah, Georgia — along with our vegan options, Sundae Bar, smoothies, and more.
Even now, with our second location opening in Inverness, we’re still guided by the same simple idea: to make people smile with honest, flavorful ice cream — crafted with heart, from the Alps to Florida.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not exactly — but that’s what being an entrepreneur is all about. There were definitely a few bumps along the way. One of the biggest challenges was finding the right location — a space large enough to house both our shop and production, in a good area, and with rent we could actually afford. It also took time to find a landlord who believed in our idea and saw the potential for bringing something new and exciting to the shopping center.
In the beginning, we started right in our home kitchen with a small ice cream machine, testing and perfecting recipes one batch at a time. Even simple things like adjusting measurements — converting ounces to grams and figuring out ingredient ratios — were a challenge at first. But all those small struggles shaped who we are today and made Sweet Alps Ice Cream what it is — a place built with patience, passion, and persistence.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Sweet Alps Ice Cream is a family-owned, Swiss-inspired ice cream shop located in Summerfield, Florida, with a second location opening soon in Inverness. Founded by Christopher and Cathrine Flury, who immigrated from Switzerland in 2016, our dream was to bring a piece of the Swiss Alps to Florida — through the art of truly homemade, high-quality ice cream.
We specialize in crafting small-batch ice cream made from natural ingredients — no shortcuts, no artificial flavors. Our recipes are rooted in traditional Swiss craftsmanship, blended with the creativity and boldness of American-style ice cream. What sets us apart is our dedication to authenticity: every scoop reflects care, precision, and a love for quality.
We’re known for our unique flavor creations such as Butterscotch Crunch, Pistachio, and Salted Caramel, as well as our vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free options. Beyond ice cream, we offer sundaes, smoothies, acai bowls, milkshakes, coffee drinks, and fresh-baked desserts — all made with the same passion.
Brand-wise, we’re most proud of the experience we create: when people walk into Sweet Alps, they feel like they’ve stepped into a little Alpine haven — cozy, joyful, and made with heart. Our mission is simple: to make people smile, one scoop at a time.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
We truly love what we do, and we’re still amazed by the incredible support and appreciation we receive from the people who enjoy our ice cream. Choosing Summerfield as our home was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made — the community here is wonderful, warm, and welcoming. Every single day, it’s a joy and an honor to greet our guests and share a little bit of happiness through our ice cream.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sweetalpsicecream.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweetalpsicecream/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sweetalpsicecream
Image Credits
Photography by Debra Snyder / Chris Flury
