{"id":106847,"date":"2026-01-05T22:31:04","date_gmt":"2026-01-05T22:31:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/106847\/"},"modified":"2026-01-05T22:31:04","modified_gmt":"2026-01-05T22:31:04","slug":"classic-wilton-manors-ice-cream-parlor-closes-after-10-years","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/106847\/","title":{"rendered":"Classic Wilton Manors Ice Cream Parlor Closes After 10 Years"},"content":{"rendered":"

Looks like another legendary Fort Lauderdale staple has closed<\/a>. Beloved Wilton Manors ice cream parlor, Wilton Creamery<\/a>, has closed after more than a decade on Wilton Drive, and the news comes months after the shop made a plea to the community for help<\/a>. The chef-driven ice cream shop served its final scoops on Dec. 23, 2025, <\/a>following an announcement shared on Instagram eight weeks earlier.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is with a heavy heart that we must announce that we will be closing mid-December,\u201d the beloved ice cream shop wrote in its initial post. \u201cIt has been an honor to serve this community.\u201d<\/p>\n

The closure marks the end of a decade-long run for one of Wilton Manors\u2019 most recognizable dessert spots, known for its rotating flavors, late-night hours, and a loyal local following.<\/p>\n

\"\"Since 2014, it stood apart from standard scoop shops, featuring chef-driven recipes, an adult-leaning flavor profile that fit naturally into the neighborhood\u2019s nightlife vibe.<\/p>\n

A Decade on Wilton Drive<\/p>\n

Wilton Creamery opened in 2014<\/a> at 2301 Wilton Dr., in the heart of Wilton Manors\u2019 main drag. From the start, it stood apart from standard scoop shops, featuring chef-driven recipes, an adult-leaning flavor profile that fit naturally into the neighborhood\u2019s nightlife vibe.<\/p>\n

Founded by pastry chef DJ Colby, the shop was renowned for its constantly rotating flavors, often offering 30 or more options at a time, alongside sorbets, vegan selections, and no-sugar-added choices. Many flavors were produced in small batches using all-natural ingredients, with weekly releases. Colby said in past interviews that he never planned to open an ice cream shop, landing on the concept only after realizing a traditional restaurant would not fit the available space.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Wilton Creamery built a reputation on flavors unavailable elsewhere. Standouts over the years included guava cream cheese, mandarin white tea, white truffled rum-soaked peach, and its most popular flavor, He\u2019s Not Worth It \u2013 a house-made ice cream meant to replicate the flavor of a Snickers bar without using candy.<\/p>\n

Beyond scoops, the menu included ice cream flights, oversized banana splits, ice cream nachos, shakes, and sundaes with house-made toppings. The shop also drew crowds for its extensive vegan and non-dairy options, often offering more than a dozen plant-based flavors at a time.<\/p>\n

\"\"The team has shared that they are exploring a new location in Oakland Park or southern Pompano Beach<\/p>\n

Why It Closed<\/p>\n

In follow-up posts on Instagram, Colby addressed speculation about the closure, citing rising costs and personal factors rather than a single issue.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have had to cut several ice creams this year because of tariffs and inflation,\u201d he wrote. \u201cCost of everything is through the roof. I would rather go away than decrease the product quality.\u201d<\/p>\n

He also noted that his husband, Rob, 72, plans to semi-retire, and that continuing the business elsewhere would likely require Colby to run it alone. While some followers suggested crowdfunding or boycotts, Colby stated that he would not pursue either option.<\/p>\n

But not all is lost. In later updates on Instagram, the team shared that they are exploring a new location in Oakland Park or southern Pompano Beach and that equipment would be sold following the closure. No reopening timeline has been announced.<\/p>\n

Wilton Creamery. 2301 Wilton Dr., Wilton Manors. Now closed.<\/p>\n