Updated Mar 06, 2019; Posted Aug 02, 2013
By William Thornton al.com
GADSDEN, Alabama — Gadsden’s newest downtown merchant will open for business this afternoon during First Friday- Frios, a gourmet frozen treat business offering products made from locally-grown fruits and vegetables.
Andy Harp, who co-owns the business with Brandon Rogers, said the name is the “Americanized” version of the Spanish word for cold – frio.
Frios are gourmet frozen pops made from locally grown fruits, vegetables and dairy products, whenever possible.
For example, Frios’ strawberries, blueberries, cucumbers, peppers, watermelons and cantaloupes come from Gypsy Ranch in Altoona. Lemons and limes come from local suppliers, and the milk is from Wright Dairy in Alexandria. The pops are sweetened with locally produced honey, organic sugar or agave.
Frios carries traditional flavors, like strawberry and chocolate, but also unique varieties, such as Key Lime Pie, Chocolate Malt, Pumpkin Pie, Avocado, and Banana Pudding. There’s a Mango-Pequin Pepper flavor too.
Harp said Frios began selling from a stand in downtown Gadsden in May, but eventually demand grew until the company found a location in the 400 block of Broad Street that was once a chocolate shop.
Its first day of operation in the new location will be this afternoon. Frios will be open Monday through Saturday – 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday through the summer.
Harp, who has a background in information technology and family photography, said the business grew out of a lifelong passion for food.
“I enjoy being a part of Gadsden’s business community,” he said. “We want to try something new and add to the city’s downtown atmosphere. And it’s very important that we support local farms and businesses.”
Tonight, Frios will also display local art from
Walnut Gallery
that will be available for purchase. Proceeds will benefit the gallery’s new location.
“We hope to keep expanding,” Harp said. “We’re looking at distribution and some additional locations.”
From more information, visit friospops.com
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