Sweet success: Two Broward ice cream shops to compete for best in the nation
Two of Florida’s four contestants in an upcoming national ice cream shop competition hail from Broward County.
From July 16 to Aug. 2, beloved establishments Cherry Smash and Let’s Chill — both in Coral Springs — will compete in tournament-style bracket matchups against other small businesses from across the United States.
Fans can cast their votes online in The64.com’s second annual America’s Best Ice Cream tournament to decide “who makes the best ice cream” in the country.
Here’s what to know about the Broward County shops in the running this summer.
Cherry Smash Ice Cream
Cherry Smash Ice Cream, an old-fashioned, whimsical ice cream parlor at 8000 Wiles Road, is taking its viral appeal to the next level in the competition.
After the shop’s 83-year-old owner gave his Gen-Z staff full control of the business’ social media last year, people from across the state flocked to the ice cream shop to appreciate its Halloween decorations — and things have been busy ever since.
Recently, the vintage-modern fusion has resulted in a sweet Fourth of July treat bedecked with sparklers and an LED light show with a juggling Uncle Sam on stilts.
Cherry Smash will face off against Whitey’s Ice Cream from Moline, Illinois, starting July 16. Learn more on Instagram.
Let’s Chill Homemade Ice Cream
Let’s Chill Homemade Ice Cream, 2025’s second-best ice cream shop in the nation according to Yelp, will also compete for the title.
Known for high-quality ingredients and customer service, the space opened after the COVID-19 pandemic. Reviewers praise its range of flavors, from boozy flights to classics such as cookies ‘n cream.
The shop faces off against Cottonwood Creamery & Cookies from Albuquerque, New Mexico, starting July 16.
Get a taste by visiting in person at 9739 W. Sample Road, or check out menus on the shop’s Instagram or Facebook.
This story was originally published July 10, 2026 at 2:03 PM with the headline "Sweet success: Two Broward ice cream shops to compete for best in the nation."
