Sunset Mexican Ice Cream Shop celebrated the grand opening of its second location this week with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 733 Lancaster Avenue, marking a new chapter for the five-year-old business and a milestone in the revitalization of the corridor.
Co-owner Rocio Flores, who runs the shop with her husband, said the expansion has been both busy and exciting.
“It feels like starting all over again, but in a good way,” Flores said. “Now we have a little more experience, and our customers were asking when we’d be open, so it’s exciting.”
Sunset opened its first location near Hiester Lanes in 2020, building a strong following for its authentic Mexican desserts, snacks, and ice cream. Popular menu items include street corn, walking tacos, and mangonadas.
“It is more of our culture in the area,” Flores explained. “We have many items that are unique for our community.”
The ribbon cutting drew community members, city officials, and local leaders. Alan Shuman, president of Shuman Development Group, which owns the property, noted that the site was once home to the former A.W. Golden Cadillac dealership. He emphasized that new businesses like Sunset are helping bring life back into the Lancaster Avenue neighborhood.
“Of course, all we do at Shuman Development Group is the infrastructure. We put the building together,” Shuman said. “It’s really all the great tenants and businesses that are here… that breathe life back into the neighborhood.”
Crystal Gilmore Harris, representing Senator Judy Schwank’s office, praised the opening as a sign of growth for the area, noting the importance of small businesses in shaping vibrant communities.
Guests at the celebration enjoyed complimentary tastings, music, and tours of the renovated space, which Shuman called “a gem for the neighborhood.”
Lucine Sihelnik, President and CEO of the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance, praised the Flores family for creating more than just a business. “What Rocio and her family are doing here is not just opening a shop — it’s creating a place that celebrates culture, flavors, and community,” she said.
For Flores, the second location represents more than business growth — it’s about sharing culture and meeting community demand.
“We’re very excited,” she said. “This expansion allows us to offer more of our flavors and traditions to the community.”
Sunset Mexican Ice Cream Shop is now open at 733 Lancaster Avenue, Reading, joining its first location at 835 Hiesters Lane, Reading, PA 19605.
