An ice cream shop has returned to the Castro just in time for this week's heatwave.
As Hoodline previously reported, Petaluma-based Angela's Organic Ice Cream has opened its newest scoop shop at the Castro's long-vacant former 7-Eleven space at 3998 18th Street (at Noe).
Hoodline readers may recall that a specialty butcher shop, Muuu Meats, abandoned its fully permitted store in the long-troubled 7-Eleven without explanation.
Angela's Ice Cream is now open at 3998 18th Street. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline
Angela's Ice Cream is owned by Ignacio "Iggy" Garat and his mother, Angela Pryor Garat. Angela's Ice Cream currently has two locations in San Francisco, Noe Valley and the Marina, along with shops in Mill Valley, Healdsburg, and two Petaluma parlors.
Garat and his mother purchased LaLa's Ice Cream in 2017 and changed the name to Angela's Ice Cream. Garat also owns Iggy's Organic Burgers in Healdsburg. Garat did not respond to Hoodline's request for comment.
In July, Iggy Garat opened an Iggy's Burgers at the former site of his parents' Argentinian restaurant Flora King.
Selection of ice cream options inside Angela's Ice Cream. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline
Angela's Ice Cream makes its organic ice cream in-house with recipes developed by Pryor Garat. The Castro location currently offers 21 signature flavors, 5 seasonal flavors, and 6 vegan flavors.
Additionally, Angela's Ice Cream will offer baked desserts and other treats, including sundaes, milkshakes, ice cream sandwiches, brownies, and cookies.
The Castro has been without an ice cream shop since Castro Fountain and Double Rainbow closed within a week of each other last year.
Menu board inside Angela's Ice Cream. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline
Longtime neighborhood resident Thomas Lucas tells Hoodline, "It's a night-and-day transformation for our street."
"After years of dealing with persistent delivery noise, trash, and unresponsive corporate management from 7-Eleven, I am thrilled to see the space revitalized," added Lucas. "The new parlor looks gorgeous inside, brings great energy to the Castro, and I can’t wait to grab a scoop and support them."
A coffee, espresso, and drink area is not open at this time. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline
Garat spent the past year remodeling the former 7-Eleven space. Remodel work includes fresh paint, new sinks, cabinets, and flooring, installing a handwashing sink, demolishing an existing walk-in freezer, and reopening three windows that face Noe Street.
A coffee, espresso, and drink area inside the shop remains under construction. Outdoor signage has not been installed yet.
Windows and an exit were added along the Noe St. side of the shop. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline
Construction costs were estimated at $41,433. Public records indicate the project was delayed due to storefront windows and secondary exit permits.
Angela's Ice Cream is open Sunday to Thursday from 12 p.m. to 9:30 pm and Friday and Saturday from 12 pm to 10 pm.
