Eugene’s first “scoop shop” for the Portland ice cream chain Salt & Straw is set to open Friday, and some celebratory events are planned for the occasion.
The shop, the first Oregon Salt & Straw location outside of the Portland metro area, will open its doors at 11 a.m. Friday at 139 Oakway Road, next to the P.F. Chang’s. The first 100 customers get free “I believe in ice cream and the Ducks” T-shirts.
Co-founders Kim and Tyler Malek, who are cousins, said they always wanted to open a Eugene location. They were at the site Thursday getting ready for the opening, which will include live music from high school bands and a visit from the UO’s Oregon Duck.
Tyler said he got into making ice cream after dropping out of culinary school, starting the business with an ice cream push cart and learning the trade.
“We spent a lot of time going to different farms, spending time at breweries, with other chefs, and gathered this knowledge that became part of our ethos, to tell their stories through our ice cream,” Tyler told The Register-Guard.
Ice cream lovers rejoice:Salt & Straw announces April 8 opening date for Eugene scoop shop
The chain has also become a favorite for some celebrities, such as Oprah who listed the Arbequina Olive Oil ice cream flavor as one of her favorites, and actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who helped create some of its flavors.
Louis Krauss covers breaking news for The Register-Guard. Contact him at lkrauss@registerguard.com, and follow him on Twitter @LouisKraussNews.