Bold Spoon Creamery, a beloved local treasure celebrated for its inventive flavors and dedication to sustainability, has redefined the art of small-batch ice cream. What began as a passion project for founder Rachel Burns, deeply rooted in family traditions and a commitment to quality, has transformed an ordinary indulgence into a culinary experience. Now, this innovative creamery has achieved a landmark milestone, earning a place in the 2024 Arch Grants Cohort and receiving a prestigious $75,000 non-dilutive grant. This recognition highlights Bold Spoon Creamery’s pivotal role in advancing artisanal food production while bolstering the St. Louis entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“This year’s awardees are developing unique and needed innovations across a range of industries, and we’re excited they’ll be doing so from St. Louis for at least the next year,” said Gabe Angieri, executive director of Arch Grants. Bold Spoon Creamery exemplifies this commitment, bringing a fresh perspective and entrepreneurial spirit to the St. Louis business community.
Inspired by a love of homegrown ingredients and a desire to craft something truly special, Rachel Burns launched Bold Spoon Creamery. From the start, her approach was clear: embrace creativity and farm fresh ingredients. This philosophy is evident in every flavor, from the garden mint and pumpkin chai made with mint and pumpkins grown at her Park Hills farm to award-winning salted chocolate and vanilla crème brûlée.
Beyond its dedication to flavor, Bold Spoon Creamery is deeply committed to supporting the St. Louis region. Its partnerships with local producers and farms foster a sense of connection, resulting in flavors that celebrate the region’s agricultural bounty. Bold Spoon’s farm-to-bowl approach is a cornerstone of their business ethos.
The Arch Grant will enable Bold Spoon Creamery to scale operations, expand its reach, and deepen its impact on the region’s economy, setting the stage for sustainable growth and a broader regional presence. “Receiving this grant is a game-changer for us,” said Burns. “It’s not just about the financial support; it’s about being part of a larger vision for innovation and community building in St. Louis.” With ambitious plans to expand its reach and make its products available in more grocery stores, Bold Spoon Creamery is poised for significant growth, bringing its signature farm-to-bowl creations to an even wider audience.
Reflecting on this achievement, Burns encourages other food entrepreneurs to pursue opportunities they may have thought were out of reach. “I erroneously thought programs like Arch Grants weren’t for food businesses, but that’s simply not true,” she shared. “If you have a vision for growth and innovation, there’s a place for you.” This advice underscores Bold Spoon’s commitment to inspiring and uplifting the local food community while blazing a trail for others to follow.
As the 2024 cohort embarks on a year of growth, Bold Spoon Creamery exemplifies the potential for local businesses to thrive through collaboration, innovation and visionary support like Arch Grants. With its unique flavors, sustainability efforts and commitment to community, Bold Spoon is crafting more than just ice cream – it’s building a legacy that nourishes both the soul and the St. Louis economy.
You can find Bold Spoon pints at stores including Schnucks, Straub’s and Fresh Thyme, for a full list visit Bold Spoon Creamery’s official website. CITYSC, Blues and Battlehawks fans can find Bold Spoon ice cream at Bold Spoon branded stands at CITYPark (soon to be Energizer Park), Enterprise Center and The Dome.
