Sweet Cece's, a beloved frozen yogurt, sorbet, gelato and ice cream institution is now open for the season

By Patricia Nugent

A good old-fashioned summertime institution in Broadview Heights, Sweet CeCe’s Frozen Yogurt and Juice Bar reopened its doors for the season.

Whether it’s the all-natural, locally hand-crafted fro-yo, ice cream, sorbets, fresh fruits or organic ingredients, this charming ice cream shop takes a modern approach by also offering vegan, lactose-free, gluten-free, and chemical dye-free options.

“We wanted to offer the community a fun place to hang out that serves all-natural goodies that people with allergies or sensitivities don’t need to worry about,” says Maureen Crandall, who, along with her husband, Doug, owns the business.

So far, the first two of their six delightful children, Hannah and Michael staff the bar.

(Spoiler alert for the kiddos: It’s actually Michael you see in costume as the shop’s mascot, Oliver the Giraffe, waving to people driving by on Royalton Road. He also visits local schools spreading the shop’s anti-bullying message.)

People can order frozen yogurt, sorbet, gelato or homemade ice cream in a cup and add scrumptious toppings.

They can also stay healthy and fortified with Energy Bowls of acai, tropical or pitaya fruits topped with superfoods such as chia seeds, honey, dark chocolate and blueberries; smoothies made from non-fat Greek frozen yogurt; and juices fresh-squeezed from organic fruits and vegetables like, apples, spinach, kale, sweet potato, cucumber, mint, ginger and cayenne, just to name a few.

“The juices each have a helpful healthy effect, whether it’s the Think Pink, made from pears, pineapple, beet and ginger, that helps with arthritis and inflammation, to the Cece Sass-C, made from kale, spinach, pineapple and green apple that helps improve immunity, heart health and lowers cholesterol,” she says.

Cake Batter, Anyone?
Maureen reports that the number one-selling flavor at Sweet CeCe’s is Yellow Cake Batter, followed by a nose by Toasted Marshmallow. But she confesses her own personal favorites are Pistachio and Banana Flambe.

The newest flavor to the shop is already making a refreshing splash: Cold Brew Gelato.

Whichever delight you opt for, unlike most ice cream shops, the Crandalls don’t believe in weighing your order. Feel free to pile on as many toppings as you can fit in the junior, small, medium or large cups—and pay a set price. No weighing.

“We genuinely want folks to get the most bang for their buck,” says Doug. “That’s why we don’t use ice or syrups in our smoothies, just pure fruit.”

A Little Hint of Magic
Sweet CeCe’s setting accounts for much of the magic that keeps drawing families back.

Leading back along the sherbet-hued walls, the toppings are colorfully housed within a former farm silo the family imported from Paducah, Kentucky.

“We’ve actually had a couple get engaged in the silo,” says Doug. “And couples love to come here to take photos for school dances in it, too.”

The bright atmosphere includes a wall of blackboard for kids to create, as well as seating and toys for the smaller set.

You can throw private parties, corporate events, charity fundraisers and school outings here, also. Don’t miss live entertainment, as well as the annual Yogurt Eating Contest. (Yes, you actually win free yogurt for eating the most.)

Whichever taste sensation thrills you at this shop, catch it while you can. Much like the Cleveland summer, Sweet CeCe’s closes for business in October, only to leave you wanting more and waiting for next May 1.

Sweet CeCe’s Frozen Yogurt and Juice Bar is located at 1100 West Royalton Road in Broadview Heights. For May, hours are Tuesday-Thursday, 2:00-8:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Sunday, 2:00-8:30 p.m. Extended summer hours coming soon. Call 440-457-2662 or visit Facebook.com/SweetCeCe’sBroadviewHeights for more information.