OUR STORY

We are the World's First Oat Milk Ice Crème Shoppe. We began as a pop-up shoppe in a food hall in Brooklyn, NY Summer 2019. Because of the overwhelming positive response to our product and brand, we took the plunge and opened our own brick and mortar location in Manhattan in February 2020.

But the pandemic hit and two weeks later, we had to temporarily close. We later reopened and have been pushing through ever since. Opening our shoppe right before the pandemic, operating during the pandemic, and surviving the pandemic in one of the hardest hit cities (NYC) has given us a unique perspective and experience. It was and still is tough. As owners, it has required endless hours of planning, researching, and budgeting; long working hours; and strategizing on how to build a successful brand. But we are grateful that despite the obstacles, we have been able to continue to build our brand and serve the community. We are opening a second location in Los Angeles Summer 2023 and will continue to operate our NYC store.

THE THEFT

A couple of days ago, our NYC shoppe was burglarized. None of our team members were present and everyone is safe, and we are incredibly grateful for that. But the burglary has dealt a blow to our business and operations. Money, equipment, supplies, and ingredients were stolen. In addition, we lost sales due to closing down the store for the day. As a small business, this closure was significant. Our business is still recovering from the impact of the pandemic and this has made it even more difficult to rebuild.

HOW YOU CAN HELP SUPPORT

We posted about the burglary on our Instagram account to keep our community updated. We continue to be encouraged by so many of you who have reached out to us with words of support, both local and as far as India and Dubai. You all have expressed how much Urban Dessert Lab has meant to the community, and that helps sustain us as we experience this setback. Many of you also suggested a Gofund Me, so we have set up this campaign. Funds will go towards replacing the equipment, supplies, and ingredients that were stolen, and helping us consider additional security measures for the store.

Any donation is greatly appreciated and we thank you so much!

Love,

The UDL Team