Nationally Famous Oregon Ice Cream Brand Salt & Straw Opens New Location in Aventura
Salt & Straw, the artisanal ice cream company known for its origins in Portland, Oregon, has officially opened a new storefront in Aventura, Florida. Situated within The Abbey, an open-air retail and dining district adjacent to the Aventura Mall, this location marks the brand’s continued expansion into the South Florida market, adding to its existing presence in Wynwood, Coconut Grove, and Miami Beach. Founded in 2011 by cousins Kim and Tyler Malek, the company initially gained national attention for its high-butterfat dairy base and unconventional flavor combinations, such as Pear and Blue Cheese or Arbequina Olive Oil. The Aventura menu features these signature classics alongside Florida-specific collaborations, including Panther Coffee Chocolate Tres Leches and The Salty Donut Guava + Cheese.
While the opening has generated significant consumer interest, the brand faces distinct objections regarding its pricing and product consistency. Critics frequently cite the premium cost, which can exceed eight dollars for a double scoop, as a significant barrier compared to traditional parlors. Furthermore, while the experimental menu is a selling point for many, some gastronomes argue that the reliance on savory or avant-garde ingredients can result in polarizing flavor profiles that lack mass appeal. Long-standing complaints in online communities also target the ice cream’s texture, with some reviewers describing it as “gummy” due to the use of xanthan gum and other stabilizers. Additionally, as the venture-backed chain aggressively scales across the United States, industry observers have raised concerns regarding the impact on independent, family-owned ice cream shops that cannot compete with Salt & Straw’s marketing budget and corporate infrastructure. Despite these criticisms, the new Aventura location launched with a full lineup of seasonal and classic offerings.
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