Salt & Straw is no ordinary ice cream brand. It has captured the hearts and taste buds of ice cream lovers across the United States with its innovative flavor combinations and high – quality, locally sourced ingredients. But how did this beloved creamery come to be, and just how old is it?
The Birth of Salt & Straw in 2011
Salt & Straw was founded in 2011 by cousins Kim Malek and Tyler Malek in Portland, Oregon. At the time, the idea of creating a unique ice cream brand that would blend the charm of artisanal production with bold, unexpected flavors was just a glimmer in their eyes.
The Humble Beginnings
Kim, who had a background in the corporate world working for Starbucks and later in the nonprofit sector with RED, brought her business acumen and understanding of consumer preferences to the table. Tyler, on the other hand, had a passion for culinary creativity, although he initially had no experience with making ice cream.
The first hurdle they faced was the delay in the construction of their first brick – and – mortar store. Not wanting to waste any time or potential business opportunities, they decided to start small. They purchased a pushcart and set up shop in Northeast Portland. This was the beginning of Salt & Straw’s journey, and despite the challenging start – with the unpredictable Portland weather, including one of the wettest summers on record – their ice cream started to gain popularity.
Learning the Ropes of Ice Cream Making
Tyler Malek took it upon himself to learn the art of ice cream making. He bought four used ice cream makers and set up a makeshift kitchen in Kim’s basement. Here, he experimented tirelessly, creating recipes from scratch. His lack of prior experience didn’t hold him back; instead, it allowed him to think outside the box and come up with unique flavor combinations that would later become Salt & Straw’s trademark.
The First Year: Building a Reputation
In 2011, Salt & Straw focused on establishing itself in the Portland food scene. Their pushcart became a local attraction, with long lines of people eager to try their innovative flavors. Word – of – mouth was their most powerful marketing tool during this period. As customers raved about flavors like honey lavender and sea salt with caramel ribbons, the brand’s reputation began to grow.
Community Engagement
From the start, Salt & Straw aimed to be more than just an ice cream shop. It wanted to be a community gathering spot. They engaged with local farmers, artisans, and food producers to source high – quality ingredients, which not only enhanced the flavor of their ice cream but also supported the local economy. This community – centered approach helped them build a loyal customer base in Portland.
Expansion and Growth in the Early Years (2012 – 2015)
Opening the First Store
In 2012, Salt & Straw finally opened its first permanent store in Portland. This was a significant milestone for the brand. The store provided a more stable and inviting environment for customers to enjoy their ice cream. It also allowed the Malek cousins to expand their operations, offering a wider range of flavors and products.
Expanding the Flavor Profile
During these early years, Tyler Malek continued to experiment with flavors. He drew inspiration from local ingredients, seasonal produce, and even global cuisines. Flavors like strawberry honey balsamic with black pepper and pear and blue cheese were introduced, further solidifying Salt & Straw’s reputation as an ice cream brand that wasn’t afraid to take risks.
First Steps of Expansion
By 2013, Salt & Straw’s popularity had spread beyond Portland. They began to consider expansion, and in 2014, they opened their first store outside of Oregon, in Los Angeles, California. This expansion was a bold move, but it paid off. The Los Angeles store was well – received, and it helped Salt & Straw gain a foothold in the West Coast market.
In 2015, Salt & Straw continued to grow, opening more stores in California and further establishing its brand identity as a provider of artisanal, high – quality ice cream with a focus on unique flavors.
The Middle Years: Consolidating and Diversifying (2016 – 2020)
Store Expansion Across the West Coast
Throughout 2016 – 2018, Salt & Straw continued to expand its store footprint along the West Coast. They opened stores in various cities in California, as well as in Nevada. Each new store was an opportunity to introduce Salt & Straw to a new community of ice cream lovers. The brand also started to focus on creating a consistent in – store experience, with friendly staff, a bright and inviting decor, and, of course, a delicious selection of ice cream.
Diversifying Product Offerings
In addition to its core ice cream offerings, Salt & Straw began to diversify its product line. They introduced ice cream cakes, which became popular for special occasions. They also started selling pints of their ice cream in local grocery stores and specialty food shops, making it more accessible to consumers who couldn’t visit their scoop shops.
Sustainability and Community Initiatives
During this period, Salt & Straw also became more involved in sustainability and community initiatives. They started using more eco – friendly packaging and focused on reducing food waste. They also continued to support local producers and organizations, further strengthening their ties to the communities they served.
Recent Developments (2021 – Present)
National Expansion
In recent years, Salt & Straw has expanded beyond the West Coast. They opened stores in Florida, bringing their unique brand of ice cream to the East Coast. This expansion has allowed them to reach a wider audience and compete in a more diverse market.
Innovation in Flavors and Ingredients
Salt & Straw has continued to innovate in terms of flavors and ingredients. They have started using more upcycled ingredients, such as the lemon – flavored ice cream made from the whey that a New York yogurt factory didn’t want, and the malted milk chocolate – flavored ice cream made from the remaining malt of a brewery. These innovative flavor combinations not only attract customers looking for something new but also align with the growing consumer interest in sustainable and environmentally friendly food options.
Celebrating Milestones
In 2023, Salt & Straw celebrated its 12th birthday with the release of its Vault Series. This series featured five flavors that represented important moments and milestones throughout the brand’s journey. It was a way to look back on their growth and success while also looking forward to the future.
Conclusion
As of 2025, Salt & Straw is 14 years old. Over these 14 years, it has grown from a small pushcart in Portland to a nationally recognized ice cream brand with a presence across the United States. Its success can be attributed to its innovative flavor combinations, high – quality ingredients, community – centered approach, and continuous growth and expansion. Whether you’re a fan of their classic flavors like sea salt with caramel ribbons or you’re eager to try their latest experimental creations, Salt & Straw’s journey is a testament to the power of creativity, passion, and a love for ice cream. As the brand continues to age, it will be exciting to see what new flavors, initiatives, and expansion plans it has in store for the future.
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