Q & Q: Salt & Straw

Tell us a little bit about Salt & Straw.

Salt & Straw Ice Cream is a Portland-based, family-run ice cream company that was founded in 2011 by cousins Kim & Tyler Malek. Salt & Straw makes curiously delicious ice creams that tell the narrative of artisans, meaningful food movements, and important social causes. In addition to the unique menus, their shops’ award-winning designs create a generous and welcoming experience. The debut Salt & Straw Cookbook was released in April 2019, published by Clarkson Potter. Salt & Straw has three scoop shops in Portland as well as one location in Lake Oswego and Eugene. A new Oregon scoop shop in Beaverton will open in late summer 2022.

How long has Salt & Straw been in Eugene and how does the Eugene area benefit Salt & Straw?

Salt & Straw opened in Eugene on April 8, 2022. Salt & Straw uses “hometown hero” ingredients local to Eugene, including Red Ape Cinnamon in its Cinnamon Snickerdoodle flavor; Singing Dog in its famed Double Fold Vanilla. Salt & Straw is excited to be a community partner from supporting Food for Lane County at the preview party, supporting schools kicking off with live local school bands performing at the opening, being a member of the Eugene Chamber of Commerce and looks forward to continuing to get to know more of the Eugene community.

What is your hope for the future of Salt & Straw in the Eugene area?

We’re so excited to open our doors to the Eugene community, especially with this location so close to Autzen Stadium,” said Salt & Straw’s CEO and Co-Founder, Kim Malek. “We worked with a local artist to design and commission a mural on the exterior of our building to celebrate all things Eugene, depicting the awnings from our original ice cream cart. Tyler and I are hoping that this new location brings students and the community together and look forward to welcoming everyone in, with some fun surprises along the way!

What are the next steps for Salt & Straw?

We will be opening in Beaverton in late summer. We are excited to have our new May Flowers menu launch on April 29th! Every month we have a new ice cream menu, in addition to our classic flavors.

Is Salt & Straw looking for any support from the Eugene community and if so, what can Eugene do to help?

Salt & Straw is happy to be an active part of the community supporting schools, food banks and more. Let us know about upcoming events we can participate in.

What benefits are you most excited for when working with the Chamber of Commerce?

We appreciate the support in making our Eugene opening our most fun opening! The connection with other local businesses and introductions to the Eugene community has been so warm and welcoming.

Photo Credit: Foundry 503