Big Gay Ice Cream: A Sweet Farewell (For Now), Philly

Philly, we need to talk. You know we love you, right? But sometimes, even the sweetest relationships need a little… space. And that's exactly what's happening with Big Gay Ice Cream. After a whirlwind romance filled with Salty Pimps, Bea Arthur cones, and enough sugar to power the entire city, our Philadelphia chapter has, for now, come to a close.

A Philadelphia Love Story

Remember the buzz? The excitement when Big Gay Ice Cream first landed in Philly, bringing its unique brand of soft-serve artistry to South Street? It was a match made in dessert heaven! We opened our doors after years of doing special events in the city, eager to share our unconventional flavors and toppings with the City of Brotherly Love. We envisioned a long and delicious future together.

And for a while, it was. The South Street location quickly became a go-to spot for locals and tourists alike, a place where you could grab a truly unique cone and escape the everyday. But as anyone who's been in the restaurant business knows, the landscape can change in the blink of an eye.

The Pandemic's Bitter Bite

The closure of our South Street location was undoubtedly accelerated by the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The ripple effects have been felt across the restaurant industry, and we weren't immune. Like many businesses, we had to make some tough choices, and ultimately, that meant closing our doors.

But fear not, Philly! This isn't necessarily goodbye. It's more of a "see you later." The owners, Douglas Quint and Bryan Petroff, have expressed a strong desire to return to Philadelphia with a new location. "For now, we've put the entire shop in storage," they shared, hinting at a potential comeback.

What Made Big Gay Ice Cream Special?

What set Big Gay Ice Cream apart from your average ice cream parlor? It wasn't just the name (though that definitely grabbed attention!). It was the commitment to quality, creativity, and a healthy dose of irreverence.

Unconventional Flavors and Toppings: Forget boring vanilla. We're talking about dulce de leche, sea salt, chocolate-covered pretzels, and spicy chocolate sauce. The combinations were endless and always surprising.
High-Quality Soft Serve: This wasn't your run-of-the-mill soft serve. The creamy, rich texture was the perfect base for all those crazy toppings.
A Fun, Welcoming Atmosphere: Big Gay Ice Cream was a place where everyone felt welcome, regardless of their background or preferences. It was a celebration of diversity and individuality, all served with a smile.

Remembering the Classics: A Sweet Nostalgia Trip

Let's take a moment to reminisce about some of the iconic Big Gay Ice Cream creations that graced the palates of Philadelphians:

The Salty Pimp: A vanilla soft serve cone injected with dulce de leche, sprinkled with sea salt, and dipped in chocolate. A salty-sweet symphony in every bite.
The Bea Arthur: Vanilla ice cream with crushed Nilla Wafers and dulce de leche.
Rocky Roadhouse: Chocolate soft-serve studded with cocoa-dusted marshmallows, toasted almonds, and chocolate chips. A chewy, crunchy, chocolatey dream.
Mexican Coke and Sprecher's Root Beer: The perfect thirst-quenching companions to your decadent dessert.

Beyond the Cones: A Taste of Innovation

Big Gay Ice Cream wasn't just about cones. They also offered a range of other treats, including:

Paletas: Latin-American ice pops in vibrant flavors like mango-blackberry and coconut.
Shakes: Thick, creamy shakes blended with your favorite ice cream flavors and toppings.

Where to Get Your Fix (For Now): New York City Still Delivers!

While the Philadelphia location may be temporarily closed, Big Gay Ice Cream is still serving up sweet treats in New York City. You can visit their Tribeca shop at Washington Street. And don't forget they cater events!

The Future is Sweet (Hopefully in Philly!)

So, what's next for Big Gay Ice Cream? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: the memory of those delicious cones and the vibrant spirit of the shop will live on in the hearts (and stomachs) of Philadelphians. We hope to see you back in Philly soon, ready to scoop up some more sweet memories. Until then, keep the ice cream dream alive!