There’s a new name in ice cream we’ll be screaming soon: Bright Ice. The Tampa Bay-based shop will open its fifth location at 1200 S. Florida Ave. on Friday, March 28 at 1 p.m., and we’ve got the scoop on what you can expect.
Bright Ice will take over part of the Dixieland building that was formerly home to Petals Flower Shoppe. Co-owner Kurt Drake gave us a sneak peek of the interior — which has a colorful design that’s undeniably Floridian — and the shaded patio that was made for slurping up a waffle cone on sunny days.
The shop has 19 signature flavors that are always on the menu, including three vegan options. Grab your favorite in a cup, on a waffle cone, blended in a milkshake, or on an ice cream + cookie sandwich. Can’t decide which flavor to try first?
- City Editor Connor stands with the other lactose-intolerant Lakelanders — she’s looking forward to the non-dairy Caramel Coconut with Oreos.
- Get Oat of This World with City Editor Amelia’s pick. It’s made with oatmeal cream pies + maple syrup.
- Drake understandably found it hard to make a decision but ended up recommending the lemon with crystallized ginger.
Don’t worry, coffee lovers, there’s something for you, too: affogato, iced coffee, and cinnamon roll lattes await.
All of Bright Ice’s products are made by hand each week in Pinellas Park, then delivered to shops around Tampa Bay.
Photo by @thebluemeerkat
Bright Ice will open later than usual on its first day, but after that, you can stop by daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. for a sweet treat.
Bonus: The Wine Garden will open right next door the first week of April, and By the Chef Pizza is already slinging slices next door. Pizza, ice cream, and wine? Sounds like date nights are officially planned.
