Van Leeuwen opens Charlotte shop with local sundae collab
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The New York-based ice cream chain Van Leeuwen will open in Plaza Midwood on Thursday, Sept. 4
Why it matters: As part of its Charlotte debut, Van Leeuwen, a fast-growing ice cream empire that began as a food truck, is collaborating with the beloved local bakery The Batchmaker on a "Batchmaker Sundae."
Dig in: The VL x Batchmaker Sundae is served with one scoop of Van Leeuwen's Earl Grey tea ice cream, The Batchmaker's oatmeal cream pie cookie, hot fudge and whipped cream.
- The 1,200 square-foot shop will serve more than 30 flavors of ice cream, including Vanilla Bean, Sicilian Pistachio, Mango Sticky Rice and Peanut Butter Brownie Honeycomb.
Between the lines: Van Leeuwen is known for its crazy flavors and options for both vegans as well as dogs. It has tested boundaries with flavors like Kraft Mac 'n' Cheese and Hidden Valley Ranch.
If you go: The first 100 guests on opening day will get a free tote bag. The shop will also serve $1 scoops from 11am—1pm.
- The Batchmaker sundae collab will be available through opening weekend while supplies last.
Stop by: 1711 Commonwealth Ave.
- Open Monday—Friday 11am—10pm, Saturday—Sunday 11am—11pm.
Go deeper: 23 best ice cream spots in Charlotte
What they're saying: "Working with a business that started small and then grew only makes me feel like they've paved the way for small businesses like mine to keep pushing and growing," Owner Cristina Rojas-Agurcia tells Axios.
Zoom in: Batch House bakery in west Charlotte is known for its signature oatmeal creme pies, s'mores brownies and batch boxes.
- Rojas-Agurcia (AKA "the Batchmaker") is a self-taught baker from Honduras who has built a loyal following in Charlotte. She opened her first shop in 2019, but after destructive floods forced its closure in 2020, she made a comeback nearly a year later in a new location.
Stop by: The Batch House is at 901 Berryhill Road.
- Open Wednesdays from 8am—3pm, Thursday—Friday from 8am—6pm and Saturdays from 8am—3pm. Closed Sunday—Tuesday.