La Michoacana Sweetens Up the John Wayne Strip

Eagle-eyed residents of Maricopa recently noticed a new fixture on John Wayne Parkway: a sign for La Michoacana The Ice Cream Spot AZ. This establishment is located above the former K’Bella Salon and Day Spa at 20800 N. John Wayne Parkway, Suite 116, within the Maricopa Fiesta complex.

Andre Gutierrez, the owner, informed InMaricopa that renovations are still underway. Consequently, no opening date has been set. Gutierrez operates the shop alongside his wife, Jessica, from their Tucson location.

The couple, originally from Michoacán, Mexico, launched their first ice cream shop in Casa Grande in 2021. Their success didn’t stop there; just two years later, they expanded to Tucson and subsequently opened another location, marking Maricopa as their fourth venture.

Regarding the menu, Gutierrez confirmed it will mirror that of their Casa Grande location. Patrons can expect a variety of treats, including refreshing aguas frescas, paletas, and savory snacks such as duros and mini pancakes. A notable new addition is the ramen elote, described as a spicy ramen cup served inside a nacho volcano.

The recipes for their offerings have a rich history, passed down through generations from their homeland in Mexico over the past 40 years. Meanwhile, it’s worth noting that another business, La Michoacana Cristeros, recently filed paperwork to establish a similar Mexican snacks and ice cream shop in Maricopa, though its proposed location remains unspecified.

The La Michoacana name has sparked legal disputes over its trademark, as it is widely used by numerous independent businesses across both the U.S. and Mexico.