KJZZ is a service of Rio Salado College,
and Maricopa Community Colleges

Copyright © 2025 KJZZ/Rio Salado College/MCCCD
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Salt & Straw ice cream company to open 1st Arizona store in Gilbert

Gilbert water tower
Mark Brodie/KJZZ
Water Tower Plaza in Gilbert, Arizona.

The East Valley will have a new spot to cool off when Portland-based Salt & Straw opens their first stop in Gilbert on Friday.

The company has been planning this opening for the last several years.

“We draw a big, just group of people from all different walks of lives and ages and demographics and professions. And so it's a cool chance for people to get to know each other and talk," said Salt & Straw co-founder Kim Malek.

Malek shared about the community reaction to the new store.

“We are overwhelmed with the response we've had since we announced we were opening in the greater Phoenix area. It's just, it feels like people are ready for us. And, you know, we were so honored to have such a warm welcome already," she said.

The ingredients are locally sourced, and one of the flavors that will be on hand is marionberry habanero ice cream. Malek says the menu is seasonal, so customers can expect plenty of variety.

Ignacio Ventura is a reporter for KJZZ. He graduated from the University of Southern California with a bachelor’s degree in creative writing and a minor in news media and society.