One of Pittsburgh’s favorite ice cream parlors, Klavon’s Ice Cream, is teaming up with small ice cream parlors across the country this summer to celebrate National Ice Cream Day.
On July 16, Klavons will be hosting their first ever “Small Ice Cream Shop Competition.” This competition will feature ice cream shops from all over the country competing for a grand prize of $10,000, and some pretty sweet bragging rights.
As part of the celebration, Klavon’s will be hosting a giant block party on 28th street in the Strip District on National Ice Cream Day, and all are welcome to come join the fun.
Ever since Jacob Hanchar purchased Klavon’s Ice Cream a few years ago, he says he’s been searching for a way to unite the small ice cream shop community.
“You start with a business, and you work to turn it into a brand, but more than that, you want it to be part of an industry,” says Hanchar. “I’ve been thinking for a while now how we can get small ice cream shops united.”
Hachar says the idea came to him after taking the Penn State University “Ice Cream 101” course, and learning that Carrot Cake was the one flavor that the legendary Penn State Creamery ever struggled to produce. Later, while on a trip to Florida, Hachar had a phenomenal scoop of Carrot Cake ice cream from Strachan’s Ice Cream in Tampa.
“It really made me think, ‘Wouldn’t it be interesting if we all shared ideas?’”
Ever since this ‘ah-ha!’ moment, Hanchar has been plotting and fine-tuning the details of a small ice-cream shop competition that would bring together ice cream producers from across the country – all in the name of friendly competition.
For the first year of what Hanchar hopes to be an annual competition, the judge pannel theme is “Women in the Ice Cream Industry.” The judge lineup feature female ice cream legends Natasha Case from CoolHaus in Los Angeles, Crista Freeman from Phin and Phebes in Brooklyn, and Jennie Dundas of Blue Marble, also in Brooklyn. The judges will work together to decide who the grand prize winner is.
There will be three categories, including “America’s Favorites” (flavors like Butter Pecan or Strawberry), “Unique” (something that sounds far out – like fish ice cream – but is actually delicious), and “Dessert Infused” (treats like sandwiches, ice cream-filled churros, and baked Alaska). The entries based on mouth feel, look of the ice cream, textual appeal, uniqueness, taste, and the catchiness of the flavor name.
There will be a winner in each category, and one overall winner, who will get the $10,000 prize. Additionally, the winning flavor will be carried by CoolHaus in Los Angeles for a season.
Keep your eyes on Klavon’s Twitter and Facebook pages in the upcoming months as the details of the competition, and the celebratory block party are announced.
Klavon’s Ice Cream Parlor (2801 Penn Avenue)
Jina C. says
What a great idea, I live ice cream and always wanted an ice cream shop, I’m still dreaming about it, I will definitely be there on national ice cream day to be part of the celebration! I’ll even bring my VW bus for some extra fun!
Karen Marshall says
Desiree and Jacob I’m so looking forward to the event – stopped in several times – will love seeing how well the store is doing. PS Ice Cream is my favorite desert! Karen M