Amidst the bustling landscape of recent restaurant debuts, a delightful addition has emerged in downtown Sarasota: an artisan ice cream shop, transitioning from a humble cart to a charming brick-and-mortar destination, now nestled within the vibrant Rosemary District.
Introducing Great Heights Creamery, the latest gem in the Parkside development, which also boasts the recent arrival of dining hotspots like Arts & Central. Joining the culinary lineup soon are Toasted Mango Cafe and Origin Craft Beer & Pizza Cafe. Husband-and-wife duo Ryan and Christina Edwards helm Great Heights Creamery, handcrafting their delectable ice creams, a venture that initially took root as a local farmers market fixture.
The couple’s journey into the realm of frozen delights began as a simple hobby approximately a decade ago, back when they resided in New York. Upon relocating to Sarasota in August 2020, they decided to turn their passion into a business endeavor, starting with the modest setup of an ice cream cart.
“The idea of opening a brick-and-mortar establishment was always lingering in my mind, and the allure of the Rosemary District persisted,” shared Ryan Edwards. “Despite exploring various locations, I found myself drawn back to this neighborhood time and again. It felt like the ideal setting to introduce something like this, with its bustling foot traffic and close-knit community vibe.”
At Great Heights Creamery, patrons can delight in a rotating selection of approximately 16 distinctive ice cream flavors, with nine perennial favorites and four seasonal variations. Crafted from scratch using locally sourced dairy from Dakin Dairy Farm in Myakka City, the menu also boasts three to four tempting vegan options. Crowd-pleasers include the indulgent Brownie S’mores, featuring toasted marshmallow ice cream adorned with brownie and graham cracker morsels, and the tantalizing Yes, Honey, infused with honey sourced from Sarasota Honey Co. and finished with honeycomb toffee. For those seeking a boozy twist, the Boozy Brunch flavor offers a blend of maple bourbon ice cream complemented by candied bacon.
Serving options abound, from luscious ice cream scoops nestled in freshly made waffle cones to decadent affogatos, where espresso cascades over creamy swirls. Additionally, patrons can opt for customized ice cream cakes or convenient to-go pints.
Nestled within the cozy confines of a 1,800-square-foot space, Great Heights Creamery exudes charm with its captivating mural artwork courtesy of Sarasota’s own Liss Art & Design. Patrons can enjoy their frozen treats amidst the inviting ambiance or take advantage of shared outdoor seating.
Great Heights Creamery invites ice cream aficionados and culinary enthusiasts alike to savor their offerings at 1371 Boulevard of the Arts Unit 3. Operating hours are from noon to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays, with Mondays reserved for a well-deserved break.
