By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

ALABASTER – A popular Alabama-based gourmet popsicle company soon will open its newest location in the heart of Alabaster, according to the store’s manager.

Frios Gourmet Pops, which is based in Gadsden and also operates stores in Anniston and Fairhope, is planning to open its doors in Alabaster on Saturday, March 7, store manager Michael Weidenbach said during a Feb. 20 phone interview. The Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 1 p.m. on Friday, March 6.

“Our family is really well-rounded in the Alabaster community, and we wanted to extend that with this business,” Weidenbach said.

The Alabaster location will be at 569 First Ave. SW next to Little Caesar’s Pizza in a location formerly occupied by Donut Chef.

The company offers a wide range of unique flavors made using produce grown in locations such as Norris Farm in Hokes Bluff, Talley’s Fruit Farm in Crossville and Gypsy Ranch in Altoona. The company also uses products from Weeks Bay Plantation in Fairhope and Wright Dairy in Alexandria.

“They are hand-made natural frozen treats,” Weidenbach said. “We try to be inventive with our flavors.”

The company offers a range of year-round flavors such as tiramisu, pink lemonade, raspberry lime and mango mojito. Frios also has summer flavors such as muscadine and kiwi banana honey, fall flavors such as cranberry apple and pumpkin pie, spring flavors such as tangerine basil and orange basil and winter flavors such as grapefruit jalapeño and gingerbread.

Weidenbach said the store will also offer pops based on specific holidays, such as a Mardi Gras-themed king cake flavor.

“These are the best-tasting pops in the state,” Weidenbach said.

For more information on the store, visit Facebook.com/friosbirmingham.