Exciting News: Zeds Ice Cream Expands to San Antonio
In a sweet development for dessert lovers, Austin’s beloved Zeds Ice Cream is set to debut its first San Antonio location next summer. Known for its signature New Zealand-style ice cream, Zeds has built a loyal following with its unique combination of creamy soft serve blended with fresh fruits. The new shop will take residence at 7959 Broadway in the heart of Alamo Heights, filling the space left vacant by K. Charles & Co. Salon, which has relocated to Austin Highway.
Co-owner Mack Brown is enthusiastic about the move, stating, “San Antonio is a great market, and Alamo Heights is a very similar market to our Tarrytown store. We really like the area, and we think it’s going to be a great opportunity for Zeds.” The chance to branch out into a new city comes after successful expansions in Austin, where they now operate three outlets since acquiring the brand.
A Journey from Food Truck to Brick-and-Mortar
The journey of Zeds Ice Cream started in 2016 when co-founders Matt Porter and Caleb Schmidt launched the brand from a vintage 1966 Chevy food truck in Portland, Oregon. Their venture into the world of real fruit ice cream was inspired by Schmidt’s travels to New Zealand. Eventually, they made their way to Austin, where they opened their first brick-and-mortar location in 2021.
After selling the business to Brown and partner TJ Brogan, the duo prioritized growth throughout Austin and now eye San Antonio's vibrant market. Brown noted their excitement to test the waters in a new city, emphasizing their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
New Zealand-Style Ice Cream: A Unique Treat
Zeds distinguishes itself with its unique New Zealand-style ice cream, which utilizes high-butterfat soft serve ice cream that is blended with frozen fruits on-site. This process offers a fresh product that stands apart from typical soft serve found in many other ice cream parlors. Customers can choose from a variety of fruit flavors including banana, blackberry, and raspberry to create their perfect fusion of flavors. This combo not only tastes great but is also visually appealing and Instagram-worthy, a feature that resonates well with younger consumers.
The creative spin on traditional ice cream includes an array of toppings, from toasted coconut and pound cake to rich drizzles like tres leches and coconut cream. According to Brown, a fan favorite is the blackberry blend topped with La Lechera condensed milk and graham cracker, proving to be a hit among local patrons.
What This Means for San Antonio
Zeds Ice Cream’s expansion into San Antonio aligns with a broader trend seen in the local business community, where brands are increasingly diversifying their markets. Local entrepreneurs have taken note, as the emergence of food-centric businesses provides new opportunities amid our evolving economic landscape. With Zeds opening alongside other new tenants, like the viral Connecticut-based PopUp Bagels, there’s a growing excitement within the community over fresh dining and dessert options.
Looking Ahead: Future Expansion Plans
If the San Antonio location meets expectations and runs smoothly, Zeds has plans for further expansion within the city. Brown expressed interest in eventually exploring opportunities in cities like Houston and Dallas, showcasing their ambitious goals for the brand. He stated, “This will be a great test for us since it’s our first time operating in a new market, but we’re excited to see how everything goes.”
As the local business landscape in San Antonio thrives, the presence of Zeds Ice Cream adds to the array of choices available to consumers, cementing the city’s reputation as a growing culinary destination.
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