News Summary
A new ice cream shop, Wildflower Ice Cream, has opened in St. Petersburg, Florida, replacing the beloved Dairy Inn that closed in late 2023. Founded by the McGarry family, the shop focuses on community engagement and offers both traditional dairy and vegan soft serve options. With locally sourced toppings and a commitment to quality, Wildflower Ice Cream aims to become a neighborhood favorite. The founders plan to hold a grand opening event later this summer, showcasing their dedication to involving the community.
St. Petersburg, FL – A new ice cream shop, Wildflower Ice Cream, has opened its doors at 2603 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street N. aimed at bringing back soft serve ice cream to the St. Petersburg community following the closure of Dairy Inn. The Dairy Inn, a neighborhood staple for 76 years, shut down at the end of 2023, prompting a strong desire among residents for a local soft serve alternative.
Wildflower Ice Cream held a grand opening ribbon-cutting event earlier this month on May 24, and is now operating regularly from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. The new shop’s founders, Steve and Sarah McGarry, are committed to establishing a community-focused, family-run business that resonates with local sentiments. They noted that their son’s non-dairy diet in his early years influenced their decision to include a range of vegan options alongside traditional dairy-based offerings.
Wildflower Ice Cream specializes in New Zealand-style, made-to-order soft serve ice cream that features whole fruit mixed into the base. This unique approach to ice cream was inspired by Sarah’s childhood experience in California, where she would frequent a shop known for its Swirl Freeze dessert. The new shop is intentionally crafted to offer a 50/50 mix of dairy and vegan options, catering to diverse dietary preferences.
The shop also aims to fill the void left by the Dairy Inn’s closure in the Crescent Lake Park neighborhood, acting as a gathering point for families and individuals alike. To enhance community engagement, the McGarrys have collaborated with several local businesses: Pete’s Bagels designed the shop’s logo, Look Alive Coffee created the menu, and Sun Signs St. Pete produced the A-frame chalkboard sign advertising the shop.
In addition to their made-to-order ice cream, Wildflower Ice Cream features local toppings sourced from nearby businesses, including gluten-free and vegan brownies from HaleLife Bakery, honey-glazed croissants from Cafe Clementine, and confetti sugar cookies from Pete’s Bagels. This initiative not only supports local artisans but also emphasizes the shop’s commitment to quality ingredients and community support.
Steve McGarry, who previously served as a software CEO, expresses a desire to involve his children in the business, highlighting a family-oriented approach to operations. The ice cream menu also includes items notably reflecting their children’s names and favorite ice cream flavors, further personalizing the experience for customers.
Since the announcement of their opening, the McGarrys have experienced significant community interest, receiving over a thousand inquiries via social media regarding the shop’s opening date. This enthusiastic response reflects the community’s craving for a convenient dessert option in the area, showing that Wildflower Ice Cream is poised to meet this demand effectively.
The McGarrys plan to hold a full grand opening event later this summer, featuring special activities and potential promotions designed to involve the community actively.
As Wildflower Ice Cream settles into its new location, it continues to strive to be a vibrant part of the St. Petersburg community, offering not only delicious soft serve options but also serving as a supportive platform for local artists and businesses. With a diverse selection of mix-ins – including various fruits, candies, and cookies – the shop is tentatively positioned to become a heartwarming part of the local neighborhood fabric.
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Additional Resources
- I Love the Burg: Wildflower Ice Cream Grand Opening
- Patch: New Soft Serve Ice Cream Shop Celebrates Grand Opening in St. Pete
- St. Pete Rising: Wildflower Ice Cream Opening in St. Pete
- Jacksonville.com: Holiday Gift Ideas
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ice Cream
