Azuquita is gearing up for its first venture into California. The Arizona-based dessert shop has targeted San Diego for its newest location.
Founder Veronica Flores tells What Now San Diego, “California has been a hot market for us.” Azuquita is finalizing its first storefront in an undisclosed location in San Diego, but Flores predicts more locations are expected in Southern California.
Azuquita opened its doors in Peoria, Arizona in 2020, quickly gaining popularity on social media for its photo-worthy desserts. The business operated until mid-2022 before transitioning into a franchising model that would grow the brand in new markets.
Flores shares that beyond the San Diego location, they plan to move the flagship Arizona location to Central Phoenix, and another shop in El Paso, TX has been secured as well.
“Born in Mexico, I’ve always been close to my Mexican heritage,” shares Flores. “The exciting thing about Azuquita as a brand is that it merges Mexican and American cultures. It appeals to even those who are not familiar with the various candies and snacks from Mexico.”
Popular menu items at Azuquita’s are the Concha Ice Cream Sandwich, a traditional Mexican sweet bread stuffed with ice cream and your choice of toppings, the Buñuelo Nachos with cinnamon and brown sugar sprinkled tortilla chips topped with ice cream, plus signature sundaes, milkshakes, and frappes inspired by Mexican snacks like Mazipan and Gansitos.
“Similar to the paleterias you find in Mexico, we tried to find fun flavors that are appealing to the eye. It doesn’t just look pretty, we focus on quality too,” shares Flores. Azuquita will also build out its Mexican-inspired coffee offerings, “We’ll be adding a full espresso menu to incorporate the flavors unique to the culture. Not just iced coffees but pulling out the flavors we grew up with.”
As a small brand, Flores predicts slow and steady growth for Azuquita in the near future. What Now San Diego will continue to update as an official location is announced in the region. Get to know Azuquita by following on Instagram.
