Salt & Straw to open first Arizona ice cream shop

What to expect: Salt & Straw has a solid list of classic scoops (don't miss the Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons), but it's mostly known for the monthly rotation of artisan flavors featuring local ingredients and creative partnerships.

Case in point: This month they're serving up:

• Strawberry Honey Balsamic with Black Pepper
• Pear and Blue Cheese
• The Salty Donut Guava and Cheese

Zoom out: Two cousins in Portland founded the shop 13 years ago.

• It's since expanded to California, Washington, Nevada and Florida.

The bottom line: The company's presence "not only elevates our culinary landscape but also reinforces our dedication to creating spaces where people can come together and enjoy the simple pleasures in life," said William Johnston, CEO of Epicenter's development company Johnston & Co., in a release.