If you’re an ice cream lover, chances are you’ve heard of Salt & Straw. This unique ice cream brand has taken the United States by storm with its innovative flavors, high – quality ingredients, and community – centered approach. But where did it all begin? In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the origin of Salt & Straw, exploring its humble beginnings, the founders’ vision, and how it has grown into the beloved brand it is today.
The Founding Story
Kim Malek and Tyler Malek’s Dream
Salt & Straw was founded in 2011 by cousins Kim Malek and Tyler Malek in Portland, Oregon. Kim had long dreamed of creating a community gathering place, a spot where neighbors could meet, families could spend quality time together, or individuals could treat themselves. She realized that an ice cream shop could be the perfect answer to this vision. Enter Tyler, who was eager to be a part of this exciting venture, despite neither of them having any prior experience in making ice cream.
The Rookie’s First Steps
Undeterred by their lack of ice – cream – making knowledge, Tyler took the first step. He spent just $16 on four used ice cream makers and started his flavor – testing journey in Kim’s basement, which he affectionately referred to as his personal “Wonka – verse.” He spent hours experimenting with different flavor combinations, testing the limits of what ice cream could be.
Kim, on the other hand, cashed in her savings and purchased a cart. The two then reached out to their community, seeking advice from local chefs, chocolatiers, brewers, and farmers. This collaborative approach became the foundation of Salt & Straw’s unique flavor – creation process. By drawing inspiration from the diverse range of local artisans, they were able to create flavors that were not only delicious but also told a story about the community.
The First Location in Portland, Oregon
A Neighborhood Gem
The original Salt & Straw store was opened in Portland, a city known for its vibrant food culture and support for local businesses. The shop quickly became a neighborhood favorite, attracting locals and tourists alike with its inviting atmosphere and innovative ice cream flavors.
A Menu Like No Other
From the start, Salt & Straw differentiated itself with its flavor offerings. While classic flavors like vanilla and chocolate were available, the real draw was the constantly rotating seasonal flavor menu. These flavors were not just sweet treats; they were a combination of unexpected ingredients that worked together in harmony. For example, some early flavors included the use of a local creamery’s habanero goat cheese, creating a spicy – sweet – tangy ice cream experience that was unlike anything else on the market. Each flavor was made in small, three – gallon batches in local kitchens, using only all – natural cream from nearby farms and the best local, organic, and sustainable ingredients.
Growth and Expansion
Spreading the Salt & Straw Magic
As word of Salt & Straw’s delicious ice cream spread, so did the brand. The company began to expand beyond Portland, opening kitchens and scoop shops in other major cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and Seattle. With each new location, Salt & Straw maintained its commitment to using local ingredients and collaborating with local artisans. This approach allowed the brand to adapt its flavor offerings to each city’s unique food culture while still maintaining its signature charm.
Community – Building in Every City
In every new city it entered, Salt & Straw made community – building a priority. They established deep connections with the neighborhoods where their scoop shops were located, supporting local artisans, students, and organizations. For example, they worked with non – profit culinary incubators like Portland Mercado and La Cocina in San Francisco, helping to bring equity to underrepresented artisans and chefs in the food culture. This not only helped the local community but also provided Salt & Straw with a wealth of new flavor inspiration.
The Signature Salt & Straw Experience
The Allure of the Flavors
One of the things that sets Salt & Straw apart is its fearless approach to flavor combinations. They are not afraid to experiment with ingredients that are not typically associated with ice cream. Some of their best – selling flavors include House – Made Marshmallow Fluff folded into intensely chocolate – y brownie batter, a nod to the classic warm – brownie – and – ice – cream combination. Another popular flavor combines the malt used to brew amber ale with house – made, mouth – watering cookie dough, enhanced by the use of two types of salt.
The Monthly Menu Series
Salt & Straw’s monthly menu series is a much – anticipated event for ice cream enthusiasts. Every month, they release a new set of delicious and flavorful ice creams. This ever – evolving menu keeps customers coming back, excited to try the latest flavor creations. It also gives the brand the opportunity to showcase different ingredients and flavor profiles throughout the year.
The Scoop Shop Atmosphere
Walking into a Salt & Straw scoop shop is an experience in itself. The shops have a warm, inviting atmosphere, with friendly staff who are passionate about ice cream. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick single scoop or planning to sample several flavors, the staff is always ready to offer recommendations and answer any questions you may have.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the original Salt & Straw is located in Portland, Oregon, where it all began in 2011. What started as a dream between two cousins with no ice – cream – making experience has grown into a successful and beloved ice cream brand with locations across the United States. Through their commitment to using high – quality, local ingredients, collaborating with the community, and fearlessly exploring new flavor combinations, Kim and Tyler Malek have created a brand that is more than just ice cream. Salt & Straw has become a place where people can come together, enjoy delicious treats, and feel a sense of connection to their community. As the brand continues to grow and innovate, it will be exciting to see what new flavors and experiences they have in store for ice cream lovers everywhere.
Related topics
- Who Owns Salt & Straw?
- Is Salt & Straw’s Lucky Charms Ice Cream the Next Big Thing?
- Salt & Straw Menu Portland – A Unique Ice Cream Experience
