Ice cream sandwich maker closing down physical store in Toronto
Published November 11, 2024 at 2:36 pm
An ice cream sandwich maker who exploded in popularity is now shutting down the physical brick-and-mortar shop they opened just a few years ago.
Ernie’s Icebox has been making iconic square ice cream sandwiches in artisanal flavours since the pandemic struck. Flavours include options like peanut butter and jam, coconut key lime and Earl Grey honey.
“Four years ago, I started working on a recipe for the ideal ice cream sandwich. More than anything, it was a distraction from the huge scary question marks that were both the future of the planet, and my own life path,” reads a social media post from Ernie’s signed by owner Jules.
“I figured at most, it would be a little side hustle; each moment of kismet that led from tinkering in my kitchen to 2.5 incredible years in Baby Point was just as unforeseen as the last. In this moment, it seems we’ve reached a natural end of the road for Ernie’s Icebox at 403 Jane St.”
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The post goes on to clarify that while the announcement of the closure may seem abrupt, it’s not too unexpected and being let out of their lease is ultimately a good thing.
“Getting through each winter has never been a guarantee for Ernie’s; some of this year’s contingency plans fell through, so when my mind-bogglingly generous landlord offered to let us out at the end of November, it was the right call,” reads the post. “I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to close on my own terms as I know how many amazing small businesses aren’t as lucky.”
The post also says that while the Ernie’s shop may be closing, the ice cream sandwich operation will still continue as a brand without the store, and that “there have been chats with cool people about collaborating.”
“I’ve always been humbled by how many people have embraced these silly little ice cream sandwiches, and this silly little person making them,” reads the post. “Without all of you showing up and letting Ernie’s have a little spot in your lives, it would all be just a bunch of dairy, flour, sugar and eggs, and who knows where I would be. Jail, probably. I can’t thank you enough. Don’t be a stranger!”
Ernie’s will “be rolling up the stripey awning for the last time at the end of this month.”