Boise loves this dessert chain so much it opened shops walking distance apart
With a business model that’s anything but vanilla, The STIL has grown into Boise’s premier ice cream chain.
Unique flavors. Booze-infused concoctions. Vegan options. Beer-and-ice-cream flights. These are some of the creative touches that have allowed the Idaho brand to blossom into five Treasure Valley locations over eight years.
Make that six. On Saturday, The STILetto, a sister operation to The STIL, debuted quietly at 217 N. 8th St. in the former Zeppole Cafe & Espresso Bar space. It’s between The Matador and Dawson Taylor Coffee Roasters.
The STILetto is maybe a 10-minute stroll from The STIL’s flagship ice cream shop at 786 W. Broad St. in the BoDo district. If even that far.
Food-and-drink chains don’t normally operate their stores in such close proximity to each other. But when you’re selling frozen treats to a semi-captive audience on restaurant-packed 8th Street, it might just be a good problem to have.
“It’s the busiest section of downtown Boise,” co-owner Kasey Allen said.
Also, he points out, The STIL and STILetto are different animals.
The smaller STILetto doesn’t sell alcohol. Or offer indoor seating. It’s a basic, straightforward ice cream counter offering cones and cups, along with baked goods and affogatos. A place to grab a cold dessert after a meal on 8th Street. Or a standalone treat.
“It’s ... literally like walk in, walk out,” Allen explained. “It’s going to be different from an experiential standpoint.”
But still. (Er, STIL.) Isn’t it possible that the new shop will impact business at the larger BoDo store?
“I think there might be some cannibalization; I think we might see a small sales drop there,” Allen said. “But overall ... I don’t know how much crossover there is. I guess we’ll find out.”
Translation: They ain’t scared! It helps when you sell such a popular product. (The STIL, by the way, is an acronym for The Sweetest Things in Life.)
If you’re a fan of The STIL, be aware: All locations have shifted into fall/winter mode. Check The STIL’s social media for updates about all the shops’ hours, including The STILetto.
This story was originally published September 8, 2025 at 3:06 PM.