A New Artisanal Ice Cream Destination May Be Coming to Fort Worth’s Magnolia Village
Rumors are swirling that Portland’s famed artisanal ice cream brand Salt & Straw is planning a major entrance into Texas, beginning with a new ice cream shop at Magnolia Village in Fort Worth’s Near Southside District. Two compelling indicators point toward this new tenant taking over the 1305 West Magnolia Avenue address. The SHOP Companies listing for the property features a prominent Salt & Straw logo, and both a recent state filing and a City of Fort Worth building permit reference an upcoming ice cream shop renovation at the site.
Salt & Straw at Magnolia Village: What We Know About the New Tenant Plans
Current filings show that Salt & Straw at Magnolia Village is planning a 1,719-square-foot tenant renovation at the location previously home to Effin Egg. According to state documents, renovation is set to begin in February 2026 with an estimated completion in June 2026. The project carries a construction valuation of $250,000, underscoring the brand’s commitment to bringing a premium artisanal ice cream experience to Fort Worth.
The design firm overseeing the new tenant renovation is Arcuatio LLC of Lucas, Texas. Property ownership is listed under Clay & Company of Houston, and RSI Group, Inc. has been tapped to support the ice cream shop’s development and construction-marking what could become Salt & Straw’s first Texas storefront.
Salt & Straw’s Rise: From Portland Roots to a Nationwide Artisanal Ice Cream Brand
Founded in Portland, Salt & Straw has grown into one of the nation’s most recognizable names in artisanal ice cream. Known for its hand-crafted, small-batch ice cream, the company is celebrated for unique seasonal flavors, collaborations with local farmers, and unexpected culinary combinations such as Olive Oil Ice Cream, Honey Lavender, and flavors infused with local bakery partnerships.
The ice cream shop currently operates 54 locations across the United States, including major markets like Los Angeles, Miami, Seattle, San Diego, and Las Vegas. Salt & Straw has ambitious expansion plans, and Texas appears to be a key strategic focus. Celebrity investors such as Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Dany Garcia, and Danny Meyer have helped boost national visibility, making Salt & Straw one of the most influential new ice cream shop brands in the country.
Will Salt & Straw Compete with Melt Ice Cream in Fort Worth?
Here comes the record scratch because one obvious question stands out: Why would Salt & Straw choose Magnolia Village for its first Texas store when Fort Worth already has a beloved ice cream shop only steps away?
Melt Ice Cream in Fort Worth is a local institution. Founded in 2014 by Kari Crowe-Seher, Melt has become a staple of Near Southside culture. Kari started the company inspired by the desire to create a fun, joyful ice cream experience that brought people together-something colorful, playful, and community-driven.
Melt Ice Cream has earned its loyal following through its seasonal small-batch flavors that highlight local suppliers, a strong community presence at Fort Worth events and markets, and its bright yellow branding that has become a distinctive icon along Magnolia Avenue. The company is also known for supporting local charities and partnering with various downtown organizations, further strengthening its reputation as a beloved Fort Worth original.
Today, Melt Ice Cream serves customers across six DFW locations, including its flagship shop on Magnolia Avenue in Fort Worth. Additional storefronts include Downtown Fort Worth and the Stockyards' Mule Alley, the Bishop Arts District in Dallas, and expanded shops in Grapevine and Willow Park. These locations reflect Melt’s continued growth and its commitment to bringing its handcrafted ice cream to communities throughout North Texas.
Melt has additional plans for regional expansion, further strengthening its brand presence in the Metroplex. Despite the new competition, Melt’s deep local roots and community focus may give it an edge.
What’s Next for Magnolia Village?
With a potential new ice cream shop moving in, Magnolia Village continues its evolution as one of Fort Worth’s most vibrant districts. Whether Salt & Straw officially confirms its arrival or not, the filings strongly suggest that the brand is prepared to be a competiting player in the city’s growing culinary landscape.
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