La Fresa, Port A Creamery or Magnolia Grace — which business won the Sweets Bracket?

The Caller-Times polled readers to figure out which Coastal Bend business delivers the sweetest treats.

The community voted and the top 20 went to a top 10, then to a top 5 and then a top 3.

After a collective 208 votes from Monday through Thursday, La Fresa Homemade Ice Cream & More took home the crown as Best Sweets as voted by the people. It is located at 2818 S. Port Ave.

In second place was Port A Creamery in Port Aransas and then Magnolia Grace Gelato y Mas! on North Padre Island.

The ice cream shop in Corpus Christi is owned by Sal Torres and his wife Norma Torres. His brother, Jose Torres, is the head chef. La Fresa has been open for two years.

"We wanted to bring something different to the city that wasn't one of the big chains," Sal Torres said. "Winning means a lot to us. It's good to know people like our sweets."

Aside from 38 flavors of ice creams, including tequila with almonds and Gansito-flavored ice cream, La Fresa also serves horchata, snacks, fruit salad, fruit cups, mangonadas, slushes, drinks and homemade popsicles.

Have a birthday party coming up and looking for a good deal on popsicles?

If you purchase 100 popsicles from La Fresa, you will get 20 more for free and be able to borrow their paleta (popsicle) cart at your shindig.

People can also find some popsicles from La Fresa at local businesses and gas stations around Corpus Christi, Sal Torres said.

As for future plans, Sal Torres said they have learned a lot in the business's first two years but are taking things slow.

"We are still in a trial mode it feels like, but we know what our customers like and don't like," Sal Torres said. "We have a lot of our customers from the Southside asking if we will go over there sometime soon. We'd love to, but we want to make sure we've got our system correct here before taking the next step."

Sal Torres said he, his co-owners and employees wanted to thank for everyone who voted for La Fresa and everyone who has ever grabbed a treat inside.

"We're happy to serve the city," Sal Torres said. "If you haven't tried us, we're here waiting for you."

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John Oliva covers entertainment and community news in South Texas. Contact him at john.oliva@caller.com or X @johnpoliva.

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