Popular Sacramento gift shop will scoop ‘yummiest ice cream’ at former vegan creamery

The owner of popular Sacramento gift store Strapping is opening a new ice cream shop.

Licked will take over the former location of Conscious Creamery at 3400 Broadway in Sacramento’s Oak Park neighborhood.

That space is across the street from Strapping’s Oak Park store. The gift shop chain also has locations in midtown and the Ice Blocks development.

Licked is projected to open in May, according to the new scoop shop’s Instagram page.

Why are Sacramento gift store owners opening ice cream shop?

Conscious Creamery, an all-vegan gelateria, closed in July after owners Andrea and Kevin Seppinni became grandparents and decided to focus on their family.

Losing Conscious Creamery was “really hard on the block; and that corner, although filled with really fun shops ... needed to be reactivated,” Licked representatives said in an Instagram post on Wednesday.

Susan Stewart, owner of Strapping and Licked, told The Sacramento Bee, she loves the Oak Park community and wants to see it continue to thrive.

“Small business is the life blood of a city. It makes up our culture and shows our individuality as a town,” Stewart said. “Seeing shuttered businesses all over downtown and midtown breaks my heart. I don’t want to see that for Oak Park.”

Licked will mark somewhat of a new direction for Stewart.

“Both of my parents were food service directors in the hospitality and education fields,” Stewart said, “so I know a little bit about what it takes to run this type of business.”

However, she added, “This will be my first endeavor opening a food establishment, and I would be lying if I didn’t say I’m feeling the old impostor’s syndrome.”

“The one thing that I’m sure of is the support I’ll get from the good folks of Sacramento,” Stewart said.

She said she’s excited to bring ice cream back to the area.

“I’m excited to ‘clink’ cones with my neighbors and I’m beyond thrilled to bring life back to my favorite corner in Sacramento,” Stewart said.

What’s on the menu at Licked?

Licked will be scooping “the best yummiest ice cream,” made by Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream, according to the Instagram post.

Licked chose that Madison-based company because of its wide array of flavors, including non-dairy and gluten-free options.

“Their ice cream is sooo creamy and delicious,” Licked representatives said in Wednesday’s Instagram post.

The Sacramento ice cream shop shared a sample menu on Thursday, noting that it may change before the grand opening.

Featured flavors include Zanzibar chocolate, s’mores, butter pecan, oatmeal chocolate chip cookie and Fat Elvis, a sweet banana ice cream with peanut butter and chocolate chips.

Licked will also offer scoops in classic flavors such as vanilla, mint chip, espresso and rocky road, according to the Instagram post.

“Licked will be a cheeky, fun ice cream scoop shop,” Stewart said. “Our goal is, as always, to be inclusive to all, so hopefully our product and pricing will reflect that.”

This story was originally published March 29, 2024 at 9:55 AM.