OddFellows Introduces 1st Florida Scoop Shop In Hyde Park Village

TAMPA, FL — December in Tampa is about to get colder — and sweeter.

OddFellows Ice Cream Co., the Brooklyn-based cult-fan favorite ice cream brand known for its unique, out-of-the-box flavors, will open its first Florida location in Hyde Park Village on Thursday, Dec. 16.

OddFellows’ new Tampa store is bringing locals and travelers from all over the world the opportunity to try both one-of-a-kind and classic flavors created by James Beard-nominated chef Sam Mason, such as Passionberry Buttercake, Peanut Butter, Banana Puddin' and new holiday flavors like Poppycock and Olive Oil Jelly Donut.

"We’re so excited to be a part of the city that has it all. Tampa not only has great weather and access to some of the best beaches, but it also has an incredible food scene and community that we’re thrilled to join,” said OddFellows’ co-owner Mohan Kumar. “We’re looking forward to bringing our out-of-the-box flavors and delicious treats to the area for all to enjoy."

The new OddFellows Tampa is located in a 1,700-square-foot space featuring plenty of seating, and offers a revolving menu of 30 flavors, including a large selection of vegan options.

The 11th Scoop Shop from OddFellows will also feature various soft-serve flavors, milkshakes and ice cream floats.

In celebration of the opening, OddFellows will be offering free scoops to the public starting at 3 p.m. on Dec. 16 in addition to partnering with local businesses and charities to bring the community together.

OddFellows will donate a portion of proceeds to the Bullard Family Foundation, will be featuring a welcoming balloon display for guests to enjoy from Tampa’s very own @mamasmakingmemories and have created a new Italian Cookie Sundae in partnership with Willa’s Tampa.

"Hyde Park Village takes so much pride in its culinary options, and we know how important it is to our visitors that they can find the best shopping and dining within steps of one another," said Nicole Dee, general manager of Hyde Park Village. "Oddfellows is so much more than an ice cream shop; it is a destination in and of itself. We truly cannot wait to introduce visitors to this inventive brand and its wildly creative approach to ice cream."

The origins of OddFellows is as odd as its name.

In 2011, Mohan Kumar needed to find a fix for his wife, Holiday, whose strange pregnancy cravings included savory ice cream she couldn’t find on grocery shelves.

He mentioned this to his friend, acclaimed pastry chef Sam Mason. Best known as the opening pastry chef at Michelin-starred WD~50, Mason is a James Beard Award nominee and Rising Star Chef who developed the quirky habit of naming all his kitchen equipment after female country singers.

Mason whipped up a few quarts of pretzel ice cream and Holiday loved it so much that the trio decided to start an ice cream empire. Since opening its first shop in Brooklyn in 2013, OddFellows has concocted more than 500 wacky and weird flavors alongside reimagined and improved classics.

They now have locations in Charleston, South Carolina; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts; Riis Beach, Williamsburg Domino Park, Dumbo, New York; and four locations in Korea.

The Tampa OddFellows Scoop Shop can be found at 718 S Village Circle in Hyde Park Village. It will be open daily from noon to 10 p.m.