The beloved Portland-based ice cream company is finally coming to Downtown Bellevue. Salt & Straw has announced it will open a new scoop shop at 10415 NE 4th Street in Bellevue later this spring, marking the brand’s first-ever location in the city. The expansion is a welcome surprise for Eastside ice cream fans, especially since Salt & Straw had previously canceled plans to open in Bellevue last year . At that time, the popular ice cream chain pulled out of a space in the Avenue Bellevue development (where it had been slated for early 2024) but indicated it would continue searching for a Bellevue site . Now, roughly a year later, it appears those plans are back on track with a new Downtown Bellevue shop officially in the works.
First Bellevue Location After Canceled Avenue Bellevue Plans
Salt & Straw’s upcoming Bellevue scoop shop will bring the company’s imaginative ice cream offerings to the Bellevue for the first time. The brand currently operates seven scoop shops across Washington state, including Seattle locations in Capitol Hill and Ballard, plus one that recently opened across from Pike Place Market, as well as shops in Kirkland, Redmond, and Vancouver, WA . Until now, however, Bellevue has never had a Salt & Straw of its own. The company had originally planned to debut in Bellevue at the luxury Avenue Bellevue project, with a 1,300-square-foot store expected to hire 20–25 local employees . Those plans fell through in early 2025 , but Salt & Straw remained vocal about its desire to open a shop in the area. The new location on NE 4th Street will finally fulfill that promise, giving Bellevue residents a chance to enjoy Salt & Straw’s scoops without crossing the lake. An exact opening date hasn’t been announced yet, but late spring 2026 is anticipated according to their release.
The address (10415 NE 4th St) is in the heart of downtown, positioning the ice cream shop across the street from Bellevue Downtown Park. The location will occupy the space that was previously home to a Starbucks pickup store at Avalon Meydenbauer building, which is anchored by Safeway. And given the chain’s reputation, expect to see lines out the door on warm days, as Salt & Straw openings in Seattle have famously drawn crowds of eager ice cream lovers.
Portland-Born Brand with Local Flavor and Community Roots
Salt & Straw got its start in 2011 as a small family-run venture in Portland, Oregon, and has since become an ice cream phenomenon with a devoted following. Co-founders (and cousins) Kim and Tyler Malek infused the company with a community-oriented ethos from the beginning. Kim Malek dreamed of creating a welcoming “community gathering place” where neighbors, friends, and family could treat themselves together. That vision of a neighborhood ice cream shop as a “third place” – not home or work, but a social space for connection – remains central to Salt & Straw’s culture. Each scoop shop is designed to be warm and inviting, encouraging guests to linger and strike up conversations.
What truly sets Salt & Straw apart is its inventive approach to ice cream flavors. Tyler Malek, the head ice cream chef, is known for crafting “imaginative, award-winning ice cream” that pushes the boundaries of traditional scoops . The menu features a mix of beloved classics and monthly rotating specials. At the new Bellevue location, fans can look forward to staples like:
- Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons – a salted sweet cream ice cream swirled with hand-burned caramel (Salt & Straw’s signature flavor).
- Double Fold Vanilla – an extra-rich, double-strength vanilla ice cream that elevates the classic.
- Salted, Malted Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough – a nostalgic flavor turned up a notch with malty ice cream and chocolate chip cookie dough chunks.
These classics “push the boundaries of nostalgic ice cream flavors through thoughtfully sourced ingredients,” as the company describes it. Alongside them, Salt & Straw offers an ever-changing lineup of monthly creations that reflect seasonal ingredients, culinary trends, and local inspirations. In fact, Salt & Straw is famous for its quirky limited-edition flavors. Past menus have included everything from Pear and Blue Cheese ice cream to a Thanksgiving-themed turkey-and-cranberry sauce flavor. The menu updates every month with new surprises, and there are always options for various diets (like dairy-free and vegan scoops) so everyone can indulge.
Local partnerships play a big role in Salt & Straw’s creativity. The company has a deep connection to the Pacific Northwest and often collaborates with regional farmers, artisans, and food purveyors to develop unique flavors . Over the years, they’ve teamed up with Seattle-area favorites such as Rachel’s Ginger Beer (on a spicy ginger ice cream), Fran’s Chocolate (on decadent chocolate-infused flavors), and Beecher’s Handmade Cheese (for a savory-sweet cheese ice cream). They even worked with the famed Pike Place Fish Market to create a one-of-a-kind salmonberry ice cream sundae for the opening of their Pike Place shop, a testament to just how far Salt & Straw will go in pursuit of curiously delicious combinations. These collaborations allow the scoop shops to “tell the stories of culinary artisans” through ice cream, connecting customers with local food culture in each lick.
What Bellevue Can Expect from Salt & Straw
When Salt & Straw opens its doors in Bellevue this spring, expect a festive, family-friendly atmosphere and long lines of excited customers. The company’s emphasis on hospitality and community means the new location is designed as more than just a place to grab a cone. It’s meant to be a neighborhood hangout. Salt & Straw representatives say they aim to make each store the “happiest part of people’s day,” starting with the team they hire and extending to every customer interaction .
Bellevue’s ice cream lovers have been waiting a long time for this. Salt & Straw has been steadily growing its presence around Seattle, and now Bellevue will finally get a scoop of the action.
