The Stil Sells Ice Cream With a Boozy Twist
Story Veronica LeMaster Photos Kimberlee Miller
The Stil, an acronym for The Sweetest Things In Life, is Boise’s locally owned ice cream shop with a twist: alcohol. Located in downtown Boise’s BoDo between Caffe D’arte and Edwards 9 Cinemas, the shop has been doing a brisk business, thanks to their revolutionary ice cream-and-liquor mash-up.
Owner Kasey Allen and co-owner Dan Sell never planned on opening an ice cream shop. Over a beer, Sell asked Allen the fateful question. “Where’s the ice cream in Boise? Where’s the local spot with unique flavors making everything on site?” Allen recalled, “Dan grew up in Ohio with a lot of places that offered that. Being born and raised in Boise myself, I was like, ‘I don’t really know! We have Ben and Jerrys and a whole bunch of Froyo shops, but no go-to ice cream spot.’” They joked about the idea of opening an ice cream shop, but left it at that.
Ten months later, the joke turned into doors opening for The Stil. Their unique spin on ice cream meant creations like beer and wine floats, ice cream and beer or wine flights, and infused ice cream containing two percent beer or wine. The Stil remains family friendly and fun for those under 21, as well, with unique flavors like cream soda butterscotch or honey lavender, which rotate randomly or seasonally. They always want new flavors available for customers to try.
Their ice cream is made with locavore ingredients from a range of producers. The churners—who churn ice cream seven days a week to keep up with demand–partner with the farmer’s market for product..The dairy comes from Reed’s Dairy in Idaho Falls, and the coffee flavors are made with a cold brew concentrate from Iron Side Roasting, made specifically for The Stil. They also look to 3 Girls Catering for making their inclusions, compote and add-ins.
The Stil’s ambience includes a wood décor recreating the feel of a cozy brewery, a mural of Boise and florals on the tables.
Along with a belief in using local ingredients, the business believes in giving back. “Before we opened our doors, we had two soft openings, which we did as a pay-what-you-want format. We donated it all to charity,” Allen said. They raised about $3,000 for AJ’s Angels and the local Children’s Miracle Network at St. Luke’s. They often donate gift cards, hats and shirts to local silent auctions benefiting non-profit causes. They are also a sponsor for the Boise State vs. University of Idaho hockey game, which benefits the Meals on Wheels program in Boise.
Expansion is already on the horizon. “Our goals right now is to open three to five shops in as many years, across the Treasure Valley. We definitely want to grow,” Allen said. Any company who can turn licorice into liquorice has our vote of confidence. Visit them online at www.ilovethestil.com or their physical location at 786 W. Broad Street. To call for information, their number is (208) 953-7007.