The high-end scoop shop is known for its creative flavors (including the coveted Strawberry Honey Balsamic with Black Pepper) and locally sourced ingredients.

But co-founders (and cousins) Kim and Tyler Malek both agree that they mainly want Salt & Straw to become a welcoming neighborhood destination and a vibrant part of the community.

"At Salt & Straw it really is about the experience - it's bigger than just getting a scoop of ice cream," said Tyler. "We want to encourage people to come in and spend 15 to 20 minutes talking to the server and going on kind of a taste adventure."

(Sign on the wall at Salt & Straw)

In addition to its popular signature flavors such as Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons, Salted Malted Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, and Pear & Blue Cheese, the Manhattan Beach location will also offer Salt & Straw’s Upcycled Food Series menu through the month of June. The series features five specialty "upcycled" flavors, each in partnership with brands focused on reducing food waste in the U.S.

For example, the Day-Old Bread Pudding and Chocolate Ganache flavor uses day-old bread gleaned from bakeries and grocery stores by the Portland nonprofit Urban Gleaners.

In making its Upcycled Food Series flavors, Salt & Straw was able to use 38,000 pounds of pure and edible food products, such as whey - a byproduct of yogurt-making - that would otherwise have gone to waste, Tyler said.

Starting in July, Salt & Straw will roll out another "theater of flavors" with a different focus.

"The Happiest Part of People's Day"

As the company gets settled in Manhattan Beach, Salt & Straw is looking to build strong connections with the community, said co-founder Kim Malek.

"My dream of opening a scoop shop with Tyler was centered on creating a welcoming community gathering place where you can run into your neighbors and spend time with friends and family," she said. "Over the years, this has also come to be reflected through our ice cream flavors created in partnership with the local community."

Salt & Straw has collaborated in the past on flavors with Los Angeles brands such as Compartes Chocolate, La Guelaguetza, Green Bar Distillery, Sidecar Donuts and Kismet restaurant. Kim said the company is excited to be joining the Manhattan Beach community and plans to continue to support local businesses and purveyors.

"We are always looking to use our platform to raise funds and amplify education, environment/food access and equal rights," said Kim.  "In the L.A. area, we’ve been proud to support local organizations including LA Loves Alex's Lemonade, the L.A. LGBT Center and more."

(Tasters check out the different flavors during Salt & Straw's opening week.)

Meanwhile, the scoop shop is building its new team, including hiring individuals from groups who have been traditionally under-represented, such as those with disabilities.

"We want to be the happiest part of people’s day, and this starts with our team," said Kim. "We look forward to getting to know you and your families."