Bombshell Treat Bar is a vibrant, modern ice cream shop designed by McIntosh Poris Architects for owners Jill and Matt Kasle. This project transforms two tenant units in an existing building into one playful and inviting space that combines the nostalgia of a traditional ice cream parlor with contemporary design elements. The single-story commercial fit-out reconfigured the existing space along with adding on an attached walk-in cooler for a total area of 2,200sf. This project marks Bombshell Treat Bar’s first brick-and-mortar location after two years of successful pop-up sales during the pandemic. The company’s logo, prominently displayed both inside and outside the shop, cleverly represents a stylized cherry with its stem lit in rainbow sparks, reminiscent of a cherry bomb fuse, a playful nod to the “Bombshell” name.
The design concept revolves around an architectural shell strategy, featuring a traditional-leaning exterior with patisserie-inspired detailing that metaphorically houses a more contemporary interior- like a delicate pastry shell concealing a sweet, unexpected filling. The exterior features a vibrant selfie wall mural that proclaims “IT’S SWEETER IN BERKLEY” in white and pink letters against a black background adorned with oversized rainbow sprinkles. The building’s exterior and interior juxtaposition creates an exciting environment that reflects Bombshell’s distinct and innovative treat offerings. Key features of the design include a revitalized façade, an open concept layout that balances customer areas with food production, and a visible production area where guests can observe treat creation.
The interior space is thoughtfully divided to accommodate both customer experiences and food production. Approximately 30 percent of the building footprint is dedicated to guest areas, including limited seating options such as banquettes and standing counters designed for families and locals. A small decorative order counter with high street visibility invites pedestrians and neighborhood residents to engage with the shop. Additionally, decorative display areas showcase branded goods and grab-and-go treats, while a conditioned chocolate room features a customer viewing window that allows guests to watch treat production and decoration.
The materials used for the exterior of the project include painted existing masonry, aluminum storefront windows, Azek and Dryvit siding, and custom fabric awnings. On the interior, bright white paint, tile, and quartz finishes throughout the service area are complemented by oak-look LVT floors reminiscent of popsicle sticks. The interior continues the sprinkle theme and features pops of color with red and pink upholstered booths, sprinkle wallpaper, and a whimsical custom mural that reads “EAT WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY” that enhance the sweet atmosphere of the shop.
This project faced several design challenges, particularly in optimizing space for retail food production while maximizing customer-facing areas. The design team strategically placed the conditioned chocolate room to ensure visibility from the street while protecting chocolate from solar heat gain. Two existing steel columns in the front of house area were designed to be removed with new roof beams and columns. During construction, unexpected repairs to the existing structure were found to be needed. Additionally, due to an expedited timeline, the façade was designed to modify only 50 percent of the existing exterior materials, allowing for a streamlined city approval process. Contemporary upgrades were incorporated into the existing building, including a new mechanical system that enhances operational efficiency.
