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- calendar_today October 19, 2026
A Passion Project Turned Community Favorite
What began as a home-based ice cream experiment during the COVID-19 pandemic has blossomed into a beloved local destination in Star, Idaho. Sea Salt Creamery & Bake Shop, owned by Ryan Brandenburg, first opened its doors in 2020. Today, the shop is recognized for its homemade ice cream, rotating seasonal flavors, and a welcoming atmosphere that brings families and neighbors together.
From California to Star: Filling a Community Need
After moving from California, Brandenburg noticed a need for a gathering space where families could enjoy a treat in Star. "I came from California and came out here and saw a need for, you know, a treat spot for families to gather and enjoy their afternoons and evenings and hot summer days and even cold winter days as well," Brandenburg shared.
Locally Inspired, Seasonally Crafted
Sea Salt Creamery & Bake Shop is renowned for its ever-changing menu, highlighting seasonal flavors inspired by the harvests of local farms. Brandenburg frequently partners with Gem Orchards in Emmett, selecting fresh, in-season produce to incorporate into both baked goods and ice cream creations. "So whether it be apples, nectarines, peaches, or cherries, that's gonna dictate the baked goods as well as some of the ice cream as we make those," Brandenburg explained.
In the fall, the shop features treats based on pumpkins, pears, apples, and a variety of spices and brown butter—offering customers a taste of the changing seasons in every scoop or pastry.
Family Roots and Culinary Expertise
Much of the bakery's approach comes from Brandenburg's family inspiration, especially recipes passed down from his mother, who helped launch the business. "Everything is kind of based on, like, my mom's recipe book who helped me start this," he said. A culinary school graduate with experience in fine dining, Brandenburg wanted to return to his roots, emphasizing scratch-made food shaped by family traditions.
Interestingly, he had little experience with ice cream making before opening the shop. Encouraged by his wife, Brandenburg started experimenting at home during COVID-19 with a small Cuisinart maker, sharing his early attempts with neighbors and adjusting recipes based on their feedback.
The business itself became a family project, with Brandenburg’s father building out the store and his mother contributing to its development.
Teamwork and Local Support in Star Idaho
Brandenburg credits his team for Sea Salt’s achievements, emphasizing that the community gathering space is very much a group effort. Head pastry chef Josh Parker has helped evolve the bakery's offerings since joining shortly after opening. Parker, with over two decades of culinary and confectionary experience—including time at Idaho Candy Company and a chocolate venture in Belize—brings expertise in pastry and chocolate making to the shop’s menu.
Support from the community was strong from the start. Brandenburg recalled that Star's Mayor Chadwick was among the first supporters on opening day, along with fifty community members cheering on the new venture. "Star is community for sure," Brandenburg said, expressing gratitude for the ongoing local enthusiasm.
Embracing Change and Looking Ahead
Five years after opening, Sea Salt Creamery remains dedicated to evolving its offerings with the seasons while maintaining close ties to its roots. Brandenburg’s favorite flavor is still a simple vanilla in a cake cone—a reminder that sometimes classic simplicity is best. As customers continue to enjoy the shop’s creative and evolving menu, Brandenburg encourages ongoing support for small businesses throughout the Treasure Valley.
"We hope you come down and you love it as much as we do, and you continue to support small businesses and not only mine, but all the ones throughout the Treasure Valley that are creating great things," Brandenburg said.
Source: kivitv.com.
