Community Highlights: Meet Chris and Amanda Combs of Solvang Flavors

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris and Amanda Combs.

Hi Chris and Amanda, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Solvang Flavors has been in business for a little over four years. I assisted in opening the store in September of 2018. Once the pandemic started, my wife and I decided to take over Flavors from the previous owners. We have an extensive background in customer service and the food service industry. We came in this with sorta a nothing to lose attitude. At the time, dealing with covid restrictions, I don’t think any of us really knew what to expect. We opened the doors with a credit card and a lot of ambition. To date, we have grown and the future looks bright for Solvang Flavors.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
We are a small business in a small town that expects a lot of tourism. Considering our first year of ownership was during covid. Tons of challenges and still face them today. With the cost of supplies or lack of supplies or the challenges in finding staff. It keeps you on your toes. 2021 started feeling like a normal environment, with the ability to seat customers inside and serve food in a more normal manner. We really started getting busy, we found a good groove and had our best summer ever. In 2022 we topped that and are very excited about the future of Solvang Flavors.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Solvang Flavors is an Artisan Gelato Cafe in the heart of Solvang, CA. We make fresh Italian Gelato in our kitchen daily. We use authentic ingredients and recipes to create our product. We currently make over 40 flavors. The gelato is the foundation of our business, but only a fraction of what we offer. Solvang Flavors has a full lunch menu, European cafe-inspired, serving french style crepes and Italian paninis and salads. A full espresso bar is available and other natural drinks offered as well. In addition to that, Flavors has a private label wine and an extensive selection of natural and clean wines, beer, seltzers and sparkling wines. Simple, Local, Fresh.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Customer satisfaction! We love what we do and it brings such joy to us when we see families walk out with a smile. We spend a lot of time in the kitchen preparing and making food, it’s rewarding when your able to see that work pay off.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.solvangflavors.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/solvangflavors
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/solvangflavors

Image Credits
Chris Combs