Wheeler's Frozen Dessert Co. is a microcreamery located in Boston, Massachusetts. The store sells ice cream made from blends of coconut, almond, cashew, rice, and soy milks. It is completely dairy-free, and is often marketed to vegan and lactose intolerant consumers.[1]
The storefront was founded by self-designated "ice cream designer" and cookbook author Wheeler Del Torro. Reputed as a "hipster chef" to vegan connoisseurs and celebrity food enthusiasts,[2] Del Torro began making ice cream in the mid-nineties in Paris. He went on to host underground dinner parties and dessert tastings throughout the U.S. and abroad, finally opening the Boston shop in May 2008.
Wheeler's has been connected with Boston's underground party scene. One particular after-hours dance party at the store was shut down by the Boston Police in March 2009.[3]
In addition to ice cream, Wheeler’s Frozen Dessert Co. also vends Wheeler’s Black Label Sorbets, and Wheeler’s Private Stock, a line of alcoholic frozen desserts that imitate popular mixed drinks. Customers can also design and order their own custom flavors. Del Torro, who claims the ability to “make any flavor ice cream that you can come up with,” has built a reputation upon his outlandish flavors, including a $7,000 vintage champagne ice cream containing gold flakes.[4]
In June 2009, Del Torro published The Vegan Scoop, a book of ice cream and dessert recipes that includes the bulk of ice cream flavors sold at Wheeler’s Frozen Dessert Co.[5]