Frios Gourmet Pops Omaha is celebrating its first anniversary this month, marking a year of bringing hand-poured, gourmet ice cream and fruit pops to the Omaha community.
Locally owned by husband and wife Chris and Liz Alford and their three kids, the family business has earned a loyal following with its "Happiness on a Stick" delivered from their colorful van.
Chris, an Omaha native, grew up in an entrepreneurial family with multiple generations of metro business owners ahead of him. After 10 years in Asia launching coffee companies, Chris and Liz returned to Nebraska.
Chris works for a global company, Dovida, that helps tens of thousands of seniors age at home worldwide, and Liz teaches advanced ballet and hip-hop at Creighton. When they discovered Frios, the mobile dessert model fit their dream of having their own business again and their busy family's lifestyle.
"It's been an incredible journey, and we're excited to celebrate our first-year milestone," Chris Alford said. "Our pops are a reinvention of the popsicle by delivering an unexpected 'oh wow' experience."
Since launching, Frios Omaha has delighted the community with various gourmet pops made from real ingredients. The mobile business offers allergy-friendly options and serves frozen treats at festivals, special events, offices, weddings, and private parties, quickly becoming a favorite in Omaha.
It's amazing to see so many repeat customers, Liz Alford said.
"We're grateful for the community's support, and it's been incredible seeing our kids take ownership of the business and learn valuable life skills."
For more information, visit friosomaha.com.
House of Bay to hole Pepin event
House of Bah Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to culinary training for refugees, immigrants and members of the greater African diaspora, will host Nebraska's only Jacques Pepin Foundation events June 1 at Le Voltaire French Restaurant.
The organization will present both a brunch and dinner service as part of a nationwide celebration honoring the legendary French chef's legacy. House of Bah Foundation is one of just 90 organizations nationwide selected to host an official Jacques Pepin Foundation event, placing the nonprofit and the city of Omaha in the company of James Beard award-winning restaurants and Michelin-starred venues across the country.
"Being chosen to represent Nebraska in this prestigious culinary celebration is a tremendous honor," said Djamil Bah-Traore, executive director and founder of House of Bah Foundation. "As someone who was inspired to pursue a culinary career by watching Jacques Pepin on PBS after coming to America, this opportunity represents a full-circle moment both personally and professionally."
The Omaha nonprofit received a grant from the Jacques Pepin Foundation in 2023, which helped expand its culinary training programs for refugees and immigrants. Pepin has allowed House of Bah Foundation to direct all proceeds from the June 1 events to support its local programming rather than the national organization.
Students from the foundation's Immigrant Culinary Integration program will work alongside Le Voltaire's chefs for both services, providing them with valuable professional experience while showcasing their talents to potential employers and the community.
The events will feature a unique fusion of French culinary techniques and diverse cultural influences, reflecting Pepin's philosophy that everyone is "equal in the eyes of the stove," Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses and individuals interested in supporting the culinary celebration. Individual reservations can be made at givebutter.com/JPF2025.
Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of May 2025