St. Louis’s Sugarwitch Ice Cream Shop Is a Political Organizing Hub | Eater

"Set in a historic former bakery in South City, this ice cream shop has built a devoted following since launching as a pop-up in 2021 and opening a permanent location in 2022; co-owners Sophie Mendelson and Martha Bass use bold, queerness-embracing ice creams and playful sandwiches to push boundaries (the Ursula layers rainbow-sprinkled vanilla between salted brownies, the Lady of the Lake stuffs blackberry ice cream and Nutella inside graham-cracker shortbreads, and the Zeniba tucks green tea ice cream into toasted nori‑sesame Rice Krispy treats). Beyond the menu, the shop deliberately blends community-building and activism: proceeds from items have supported groups like the Humane Society of Missouri and Great Rivers Greenway, Sugarwitch has partnered on fundraisers with local spots such as Perennial Artisan Ales for the Nobel Neighbor, hosted events like the QueerMess Christmas-in-July party with LGBTQ artists and themed flavors, helped raise funds for the Missouri Abortion Fund and gathered ballot signatures for abortion-rights measures, and maintains ongoing support for local queer organizations (including monthly donations to MTUG and regular backing of SQSH). Staff and customers describe the space as a queer community hub where employees find peer support and practical help (from healthcare to transition resources) and patrons feel safe, welcomed, and empowered to turn purchases into tangible community organizing." - Mary Andino