In 2023, CNN Business reported that American ice cream consumption had gone down by nearly a third since 1986, and it’s no surprise that this statistic is reflected in the disappearance of “old-fashioned” ice cream parlors across the country. The new Sugar J’s Ice Cream Workshop in Downtown Albany is a modernized take on the traditional concept, but can it live up to expectations?
After several months of work to transform the long-empty building next to the current Greyhound Tavern and Bar into a colorful and modern ice cream parlor, the Albany branch had its soft opening on Aug. 14. The Corvallis location has been open and thriving since July of 2021, earning a 4.8 rating on Google with 220 reviews, so the Albany branch has big shoes to fill.
One of the main appeals of Sugar J’s is its diverse and unique list of flavors, prioritizing quality and novelty over quantity. With the recommendation of the server at the time, I chose the London Fog flavor in the extra small size – which was still a very reasonable amount of ice cream. The prices are a little high, but given the specialty flavors and the atmosphere, it’s worth the splurge for ice cream lovers. The London Fog flavor looks just like the drink, with a pale brown base that has a few visible specks of tea leaves or vanilla. It has a mild, sophisticated flavor with a sweet and creamy base undercut with the earthy scent of bergamot and dried citrus. It would be delicious in the affogato option or enfolded in one of Sugar J’s freshly made waffle cones, but it was also refreshingly simple on its own.
In terms of atmosphere, the Albany location is similar to the Corvallis branch with a mix of natural wood benches and pops of color and geometric shapes on the walls and the counter. Small touches like the color-changing spoons and rainbow light fixture make the experience more memorable and unique. I always love to see a business with a strong personal aesthetic, and Sugar J’s commits well to its color palette and textures without being overwhelming or sickly sweet. There are multiple murals as well, which make the space feel even more integrated with the color scheme and fill the wall space. There are parts of the interior design that do feel a bit unfinished, especially the area to the left of the door where there are no tables or furniture save for the water station. The space is pretty large, which can lead to a feeling of emptiness and industrialism when it isn’t filled or sectioned into smaller areas. I think something like this could easily be solved in the near future, however, and the existing decor creates an environment that is cute and upbeat but not childish.
Ultimately, Sugar J’s proves that traditional ice cream parlors are possible to reinvent for the modern age while still keeping a personal flair. Its greatest strength is the ability to appeal to the entire family with the usual options for children along with more sophisticated flavors for parents, or anyone who wants to treat themselves. If you’re looking for a way to indulge this weekend, Sugar J’s Ice Cream Workshop might just be the cream of the crop.
At a glance:
Business: Sugar J’s Ice Cream Workshop
My rating: ★★★★
Location: 226 2nd Ave., Albany, Oregon
