Courtesy of Sugarwitch
Tonks - vanilla pretzel ice cream, peanut butter, and pb chip brownie
After operating out of an Airstream trailer in Olio’s parking lot for the past 15 months, Sugarwitch Ice Cream Sandwiches will be moving into a brick-and-mortar storefront in the former Carondelet Bakery space (7726 Virginia) on September 30.
Sophie Mendelson and Martha Bass founded Sugarwitch, a “queer-owned and operated business that crafts small-batch, from-scratch ice cream sandwiches and frozen novelties using locally sourced and sustainably produced ingredients.”
Courtesy of Sugarwitch
Photo by Isaiah Johnson
The Atmosphere
Mendelson and Bass began looking for a space back in July 2021. They spent a long time searching for the right spot, according to Mendelson, hoping to find somewhere they could live in and use as a commercial kitchen.
After pretty much “giving up,” they took Olio owner Ben Poremba’s advice to tour the historic space, which had been continuously operating as a bakery since 1875, except for a brief hiatus during the pandemic. The couple bought the building and have been using the former bakery’s kitchen since March, while renovating the space.
Mindful of the building’s history, Mendelson and Bass contracted with “local craftspeople,” including such artists as Zulay Rueda, who created an original interior mural inspired by local Missouri flora, and Jon Lloyd, a Lemay-based sign painter who uses vintage techniques.
Courtesy of Sugarwitch
Elphaba
Courtesy of Sugarwitch
Glinda
The Menu
Seasonal favorite sandwiches are named after witches, such as the Elphaba (mint chip ice cream and salted mint brownie) and the Glinda (graham toffee in homemade peanut butter-white chocolate shell, filled with local strawberry jam-swirled peanut butter ice cream).
The menu will also include breads, pastries, and chocolates from Breadcraft, Whisk, and Bijoux. Vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free options will also be available.
A coffee program designed by Camy Bright will feature Coffeestamp coffee and Big Heart Tea.
The Future
As they continue to grow capacity and staff, Mendelson says, they also hope to send the Airstream back out seasonally, loaded with sandwiches and other treats.
The couple will also be at Tower Grove Pride in Tower Grove Park on September 24 and 25.
Initial hours will be 3–9 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
