Saturday
Jul302011
An update on Big Gay Ice Cream Shop.
Saturday, July 30, 2011 at 06:44PM
Finally, I've carved out time to write a "what's going on with the store" blog entry. So- what IS going on with the store, Doug?
The short answer:
The store is on track. We're hoping to be open mid to late August. Our final hurdle is to finish some electrical upgrades, and by mid-week we'll know how long this will take.
These amp-sucking monsters are going to make you some frozen love.
The long answer:
It's our first store, and we wanted to do as much of the work ourselves as we possibly could. We wanted to learn the process of opening the first Big Gay Ice Cream Shop, and not simply hire an outside consultant to do the job for us. We've spent the last six weeks building shelves, ripping out fixtures, setting up accounts with waste removal and utilities, filling out forms for worker's comp and disability, and getting various permits from New York City.
Our legal counsel, the inestimable Mindy Novack ESQ, has been working her dainty buns off for us, and we've hired two great folks onto our staff. Erik came along a month ago and has been working part-time to help get the store ready and has also been preparing much of the stuff I need for days on the truck. When the store opens you'll be seeing him behind the counter. We've also hired Jake on as store manager- he's got experience running food establishments, and had been a regular at the truck for two seasons. Jake has been interviewing applicants for staff positions, and we plan to keep the staff small in numbers and high in enthusiasm.
What else? What about the menu, or other news?
In addition to making available some of the "old favorites" that you've been ordering from us, expect some of the truck's menu to vanish and reappear, in an upgraded version, over at the shop. The Choinkwich, which we suspended because it became impossible to meet demand, will soon appear on the store's menu. We're working with the folks at Bacon Marmalade to nail down a special brew just for the revamped Choinkwich. FYI, I won't be making this on the truck- it will only be sold at the store.
We also have more machinery at the store, so in addition to vanilla and chocolate soft-serve we'll be offering a rotating list of custom flavors. We have also found some amazing food vendors to work with. These people do more than just make great food- they are wonderful people. We are so happy to have offerings by people whom we adore.
Our coffee- just a brewed single blend, no specialty drinks (we ain't like that) will come from Oslo Coffee Roasters. They've got a blend that we just love, and we're going to bring it over to Manhattan. Oslo is teaching how to cold-brew some mean iced coffee, so we'll be offering that as well.
We've some Danny Macaroons for you to enjoy. The prototypes of the flavors we'll sell are simply amazing- Danny knows his coconut, and makes an awesome gluten-free treat.
Our baked goods, such as brownies for sundaes, will be from Kim Ima and The Treats Truck.
Doug and Kim, weird times, love, and My Little Pony.
Ice cream sandwiches will be from Melt Bakery. Julian is a dear old friend of mine, and it's just a thrill that we'll be selling what he and Kareem make.
And lastly our ice pops are made by Fany, aka La Newyorkina. She freezes treats with a distinctly South-of-the-border sensibility, and we love how her flavors will compliment our menu. These pops will also provide a way for those who choose to eat Vegan to come get into the Big Gay Experience (which is not as exciting as it sounds, but it's still pretty great).
Every day we think of another way to make the shop a great experience. While it might have been nice to open a few weeks ago, ultimately the time has served to help make the store better once we do open. Just today we were working in the space and Bryan I both agreed on something: not only is this a shop that we're going to enjoy running, we'd love to be customers at our shop. We can't wait to get the doors open and start showing you all a fun and tasty time. Soon, my friends. Very soon.
Loving and chilling,
DOUG and BRYAN
Edited to add: for the Google-impaired (chuckles to self) the store is at 125 E 7.
Here's a link for you to check out. Daily Candy did a little interview with us about the shop.
The short answer:
The store is on track. We're hoping to be open mid to late August. Our final hurdle is to finish some electrical upgrades, and by mid-week we'll know how long this will take.
These amp-sucking monsters are going to make you some frozen love.The long answer:
It's our first store, and we wanted to do as much of the work ourselves as we possibly could. We wanted to learn the process of opening the first Big Gay Ice Cream Shop, and not simply hire an outside consultant to do the job for us. We've spent the last six weeks building shelves, ripping out fixtures, setting up accounts with waste removal and utilities, filling out forms for worker's comp and disability, and getting various permits from New York City.
Our legal counsel, the inestimable Mindy Novack ESQ, has been working her dainty buns off for us, and we've hired two great folks onto our staff. Erik came along a month ago and has been working part-time to help get the store ready and has also been preparing much of the stuff I need for days on the truck. When the store opens you'll be seeing him behind the counter. We've also hired Jake on as store manager- he's got experience running food establishments, and had been a regular at the truck for two seasons. Jake has been interviewing applicants for staff positions, and we plan to keep the staff small in numbers and high in enthusiasm.
What else? What about the menu, or other news?
In addition to making available some of the "old favorites" that you've been ordering from us, expect some of the truck's menu to vanish and reappear, in an upgraded version, over at the shop. The Choinkwich, which we suspended because it became impossible to meet demand, will soon appear on the store's menu. We're working with the folks at Bacon Marmalade to nail down a special brew just for the revamped Choinkwich. FYI, I won't be making this on the truck- it will only be sold at the store.
We also have more machinery at the store, so in addition to vanilla and chocolate soft-serve we'll be offering a rotating list of custom flavors. We have also found some amazing food vendors to work with. These people do more than just make great food- they are wonderful people. We are so happy to have offerings by people whom we adore.
Our coffee- just a brewed single blend, no specialty drinks (we ain't like that) will come from Oslo Coffee Roasters. They've got a blend that we just love, and we're going to bring it over to Manhattan. Oslo is teaching how to cold-brew some mean iced coffee, so we'll be offering that as well.
We've some Danny Macaroons for you to enjoy. The prototypes of the flavors we'll sell are simply amazing- Danny knows his coconut, and makes an awesome gluten-free treat.
Our baked goods, such as brownies for sundaes, will be from Kim Ima and The Treats Truck.
Doug and Kim, weird times, love, and My Little Pony.Ice cream sandwiches will be from Melt Bakery. Julian is a dear old friend of mine, and it's just a thrill that we'll be selling what he and Kareem make.
And lastly our ice pops are made by Fany, aka La Newyorkina. She freezes treats with a distinctly South-of-the-border sensibility, and we love how her flavors will compliment our menu. These pops will also provide a way for those who choose to eat Vegan to come get into the Big Gay Experience (which is not as exciting as it sounds, but it's still pretty great).
Every day we think of another way to make the shop a great experience. While it might have been nice to open a few weeks ago, ultimately the time has served to help make the store better once we do open. Just today we were working in the space and Bryan I both agreed on something: not only is this a shop that we're going to enjoy running, we'd love to be customers at our shop. We can't wait to get the doors open and start showing you all a fun and tasty time. Soon, my friends. Very soon.
Loving and chilling,
DOUG and BRYAN
Edited to add: for the Google-impaired (chuckles to self) the store is at 125 E 7.
Here's a link for you to check out. Daily Candy did a little interview with us about the shop.
Reader Comments (22)
This is all unbelievable... As a frequent customer for 2 seasons, I can't tell you how excited I am to have all of these wonderful things in one place (and so close to where I live)!! Thank you so much for your amazing dedication & fantastic customer service!!
When you guys go to open the store, will you post it a few days ahead of time with what hours you will be open for? I'd love to get down there as soon as you open since you weren't working the last time I was in NYC :-(
Do I hear "ROAD TRIP!?!?" ;-D
Sarah1: thank you. Very much.
Sarah2: the store, unlike the truck, will be open pretty much all-day everyday. It might be 6 days a week for a month, but eventually we'll be open all the time, year-round.
We love you Doug! we can't wait til it's open!! :)
I'm so beyond excited - to see and taste all this wonderful stuff! I still remember my 1st big gay experience (at night on a street corner ;) and can't wait for more! I'm considering this a definite plus for moving back to New York! :D
Congratulations and good luck on your all your future endeavors! If the truck was just a fraction of what the store will be offering, it's needless to say that another success is on it's way! Can't wait to come back to the city and visit the shop! Thanks for all your help this past week! It would be an understatement if I said this was a great week in NYC! NYC Food Trucks rock!
Thanks, King. Great to meet you and I'm glad you've had fun Eating The Big Apple. Lovely family you have there, too.
My husband is planning my entire 35th birthday around a night in NYC and a Salty Pimp from your truck...or Dear God...from your STORE! See ya Aug 20!!
At last, the elusive Choinkwich! The Nellie of New York ice cream treats.
Good luck with the store gentlemen.
I meant Nessie - damn spell check ruined a good quip.
this might be a betrayal on my part, as I work in a similarly awesome adorable small business-y fro-yo place in Brooklyn, but I am SO EXCITED that this is happening. like inappropriately excited for dairy. I am going to have to buy a bigger metro card just because I will be coming into Manhattan to get ice cream so damn much. !!!!!!!!
Congrats Doug! I know EXACTLY what you're dealing with as we are opening a store too. Best of luck with everything and huge success to you guys. I look forward to visiting NYC so I can stop by your Big Gay Awesome Storefront!
Beth-
Lake Street Creamery
Will you still be doing the truck long after the store is open, or is this going to replace the truck after a while?
I love the bgic and i'll support either way
Sounds wonderful, and best of luck, guys!
Yes, she's quite the dainty one, that lawyer of yours!
Can't wait to try some of your new Big Gay awesomeness, especially the Choinkwich. Great to see Kim will be offering up some of her goodies too.
So exciting! Congratulations Doug and Bryan! :)
Please tell me that iced coffee floats will be an option - I would be the happiest caffeine freak ever.
Congratulations!! I miss you in New York! I wish I could go to celebrate the Grand Opening and taste the new and improved Choinkwich! Which I am sure will be FAB-U-LOUS! As always of course =D
The next time I make it out to NYC, I will definitely stop by and take wonderful photos =) So happy and excited for you. I am sure everything will be delicious and fun!
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