PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A well-known Portland entrepreneur is opening a s’mores shop in the space that previously held another brand that suddenly called it quits.
Nico’s Ice Cream CEO Nico Vergara is bringing his latest venture, Toasted S’mores Bar, to 1126 SW Alder St. The site was most recently home to 1927 S’mores Company, which shocked many customers — and some employees — with its unforeseen closure in September.
Several brides-to-be told KOIN 6 they were out of hundreds of dollars after sending the company deposits to cater their weddings.
Although Vergara noted Portland’s small business community was “small,” he said the shutdown was also news to him. He became familiar with 1927 S’mores when his ice cream company collaborated with the shop.
“To me, it's the most beautiful, insane retail shop in Portland,” Vergara stated. “You know, you walk in and you literally feel like you're in a cabin. And, yeah, I just fell in love with it from a consumer standpoint after that.”
When the 25-year-old entrepreneur learned about the closure, he reached out to the property owner to determine what the future plans were for the building. The landlord told him the site could potentially be leased out to another building, and be transformed from its rustic, cabin-like design and into a blank, white space.
The Nico’s Ice Cream founder soon teamed up with Moonstruck Chocolate CEO Russell Sneddon and launched their plans to open another s’mores shop.
The new brand is a separate entity from 1927 S’mores, but Vergara said he has connected with its former Chief Operating Officer Rodrigo Patterson — who now owns a s’mores catering company of his own.
“We don't want to get into catering or any of that, and he doesn't want to get into brick and mortar. And so I think with that alone, we can actually help each other,” Vergara said.
Although the interior of Toasted S’mores Bar will look much like that of the previous store, the brand plans to serve smaller desserts at lower prices. The shop will offer six flavors, including mint chocolate s’mores and an old-fashioned-inspired treat.
Vergara’s brand has also partnered with Dos Hermanos Bakery, which will make fresh graham crackers every three days. The new s’mores bar is expected to open by the end of January.
