Local Spotlight: Will and Courtney Alovis | Owners of Sugar ‘n Spice
“Local Spotlights” feature intimate interviews with local makers, artists and entrepreneurs in Newport Beach. Follow along every week to get to know familiar faces and creatives who continue to shape our community and make it what it is today.
Names: Will and Courtney Alovis
Job Titles: Owners of Sugar ‘n Spice Home of The Original Frozen Banana
Since 1945, Sugar ‘n Spice has remained a Balboa Island staple for all things sweet. The duo behind Sugar ‘n Spice, Will & Courtney Alovis, are the third family (and second generation) to operate the first-ever frozen banana stand. After both spending 25+ years working in the film industry, Will and Courtney decided to move to Orange County and run the family business. Today, they remain dedicated to honoring the iconic shop’s nostalgic history.
What do you love most about owning Sugar n Spice?
Seeing the smiles of our customers enjoying our treats, meeting people from all over the world and being a part of the fabric of their lives is what we enjoy most. We love being a part of memories—it’s really special to us.
Describe your business in a few words.
A fun, delicious, positive and memorable experience for all of our customers!
Tell us what you love about Balboa Island and being a part of the community.
Balboa Island is just a beautiful and special place. The small-town feel and warm and welcoming people are simply the best!
What can people order at Sugar n Spice? Tell us one of your favorite sweet treats!
People can order frozen bananas, vanilla, chocolate or mango sorbet, Balboa Bars, frozen cheesecake and frozen tiramisu. We also serve ice cream and ice cream cookie sandwiches! Our favorite treat at the moment is the Mango Sorbet Balboa Bar, which comes dipped in our dairy-free classic chocolate and topped with toasted coconut.
Do you have a favorite local staycation spot in Newport Beach? Which hotel is it and why?
We haven’t had a chance to enjoy a staycation yet, but this year we will! And we are looking forward to staying at VEA Newport Beach because we love the team there; what a beautiful, peaceful property for some rest and rejuvenation!
What makes Sugar n Spice different from your average ice cream or dessert shop?
Our history, our high-quality products and our incredibly friendly and welcoming service. We strive to make it a memorable and positive experience for every one of our customers.
3 of your favorite things to do on Balboa Island:
– Dine at Royal Hen for an early dinner.
– Grab a Balboa Bar at our shop!
– Take a walk around Big and Little Island.
Written By: Kaylin Waizinger
