Although we have technically reached our goal (by putting in some of our own money) we are still taking contributions and rewarding "cool" perks!! After doing some research, I am convinced that a new ice cream maker would be the wisest choice, even if we compromise a little size, I feel it is better to invest in the best equipment I can. The more money we can collect, the better the ice cream maker we can buy! So please, read our story, give what/if you can, and never stop screaming for ice cream!!
4 years ago I opened I Scream Cakes with my own personal stash of kitchen equipment, self taught know-how, and DIY passion.
In that four years I Scream Cakes has seen a lot of growth. With that growth has come some wear and tear.
We now have equipment in need of upgrading. The Cherokee neighborhood has also grown greatly
in that four years. In order to
continue to grow with the neighborhood, we need our liquor license. And we need your help!! I have tried to get a conventional bank
loan (even through the SBA), but to no avail. I can get a
loan, but I am struggling with the bills I already have. If I can get,
at least, some of these costs covered through crowd funding, I will be
able to handle the loan for the remaining amount.
I Scream Cakes is a made from scratch,
all-inclusive, artisan ice cream shop that specializes in interesting flavors,
sustainable practices, and “phantasmagorical” ice cream cakes!! We don’t use a bag of mix to make our amazing
flavors. We use organic dairy, sugar,
and eggs to create original flavors such as Orange Habanero Chocolate, Date Night (strawberry and roses), and Butter Pecan Ale, as well as classic favorites like Blueberry Cheesecake and Peanut Butter ‘n’ Chocolate. We strive to include
everyone with our vegan selections, gluten free products and even doggy
iscream. We also use biodegradable cups
and spoons and offer recycling in our shop!
All of this creates a wonderful experience and ice creams that we feel
are the best in town!
4
years ago I purchased our ice cream maker from an ad on Craig's List.
Within that four years, this particular model, which was made in 1984, has
become obsolete. I can no longer find parts for it. The scraper blades are
becoming worn which means that they don't fit within the drum as tightly as
they should, which causes bigger ice crystals to form, compromising the creaminess
of our finished product. New machines
cost upwards of $20,000, but I am looking at something a little smaller for $10,000.
We enjoy participating in local events
and supporting our community. Every year since opening, we have participated in
IndiHop, a day of beer tasting between two awesome neighborhoods, Cherokee
Street and The Grove. At I Scream Cakes
we “accessorize” our beer sample with a mini scoop of specially made ice cream
to match the beer. We won this year's JoyRita contest (Cherokee Street
restaurants and bars compete for the best margarita on the street) with our
Lavender Grapefruit Margarita made with our lavender grapefruit sorbet, featuring
New Belgium’s Snapshot sour wheat. We
also venture out with our iScream trucklet, spreading our I Scream throughout
the metro area at farmer's markets, festivals, and fairs, with handmade treats like
gourmet drumsticks, and cookie sammiches.
We are located on one of St. Louis' most exciting streets! Cherokee Street is an up and coming melting
pot of renovated buildings, authentic Mexican cuisine, art galleries, hipster
hang-outs, other DIY passion-projects, and some of the coolest bars in the
city. Although an ice cream machine
is the most important focus of this campaign, we are also looking to get our
liquor license so that we can "play with the big (21+) dogs". While a
new ice cream machine is a must to keep us open; a liquor license will help us
GROW, so that the next time we need to replace some old, outdated equipment, we
won't have to keep coming back to you for help!
Our
"goal" is low. If we've already met it, don't turn away!
We really could use twice that, plus the more $, the nicer the machine we will be able to get! PLEASE keep giving (if
you can)! We will use it wisely! And we will reward you!!
Hopefully,
the ice cream machine will get funded quickly (along with a potential loan),
so that we can go on and get that liquor license! Because if you give
just $40, and we have the liquor license, we will give you a free beer float,
ice cream cocktail, or boozy shake!
Please,
even if you can't contribute (we totally understand!!!), pass this on to
whomever you think might be able and interested! Please share share
share--Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, the water cooler at work...the PTA
meeting...book club...family BBQ! AND come in to I Scream Cakes at 2641
Cherokee St, just to say Hi!! Thank you so much for reading!!