by Nina Welch

On a warm summer day or actually any time of the year in San Clemente’s beautiful climate, one might get the hankering for ice cream. That goal can be easily reached at Paradis Handcrafted Ice Cream, 95 Avenida Del Mar. 

Denmark native Sune Stefani opened two of these ice cream franchises in 2019, one in San Clemente and one on Pacific Coast Highway in Dana Point. Sune moved to the United States in 2009 and says, “I’m living in America, I want to see everything.” After working a few jobs, he finally realized that a better way to make a living was to do something he is passionate about and something he could stand behind. 

The original Paradis was founded in Denmark by two savory chefs, who became ice cream chefs. In 2000, the first Paradis Café opened in Arhus, Denmark. Since then, more than 44 Paradis Cafes have opened all over Denmark, making them the leading ice cream cafes in the country. Due to such great success in Northern Europe, franchises were brought to California in 2009. Today, Paradis shops can be found throughout Los Angeles and Orange Counties. 

Paradis’ ice cream chefs handcraft each flavor in their kitchen daily using quality ingredients sourced from around the world including organic cocoa from Northern Europe, bourbon vanilla from Madagascar, and organic almonds from Spain. Ice cream lovers can also enjoy flavors made from dairy or plant-based alternatives. The waffles for the cones are made fresh every day. Other tasty offerings at Paradis are milkshakes, sundaes, frappes, espressos, cold brew coffee, and affogato, which is a scoop of ice cream with a shot of espresso. And in the fall, you can come by for pumpkin pie ice cream and spooky sundaes. And don’t forget the brownies and vegan cookies that are made in-house.

Sune says he feels fortunate to have found the perfect location to sell ice cream. He sees San Clemente as a European city with café style outdoor restaurants on Del Mar. “The locals are so friendly. They love to come in and chat.” He is also thrilled to be on the same block as Schmid’s Chocolates and Rocket Fizz.  Kim gives him retail advice and Niko helps with construction projects. 

About her neighbor, Schmid’s Chocolates’ owner, Kim Maya says, “Sune has become a good friend. He is hardworking, intelligent, and he loves living in this country.”

Sune is proud to say that he became a U.S. citizen on May 13, 2022. He is a devoted father of six-year-old daughter, Serena, who loves to visit the store. Who wouldn’t want a dad who sells ice cream?