Scoops of Nostalgia

STAX Ice Cream blends tradition and creativity to craft a community-focused dessert destination

By Jen Reed  »  Photos by G. Frank Hart

Some partnerships just make sense—others, you don’t expect. At STAX Ice Cream in Porter's Neck, three unlikely collaborators have come together to create something Wilmington didn’t know it needed. Chef Robert Pickens, wife Leslie, and partner Tracey Altman come from completely different backgrounds—fine dining, restaurant management, and corporate strategy—but their combined skills have turned a simple ice cream shop into something much more. STAX isn’t just about scooping cones; it’s about bringing people together into a space that feels familiar yet new, nostalgic yet unexpected. It’s a mix of tradition and reinvention—just like the team behind it.

For Robert and Leslie, STAX represents an extension of their already impressive culinary footprint in the Wilmington area. The couple owns and operates two well-established restaurants—Kornerstone Bistro and Tidewater Oyster Bar—both of which have become beloved institutions for locals and visitors alike. Their venture into the world of ice cream showcases their dedication to culinary innovation and community engagement.​

The Vision Behind STAX

The concept for STAX Ice Cream emerged from a desire to craft high-quality, delectable desserts while creating a space where families, friends, and ice cream enthusiasts of all ages can gather and indulge. “We wanted to build something that would complement our restaurants but also stand on its own,” says Chef Robert Pickens. “We envisioned STAX as a place where people could slow down, enjoy something sweet and delicious, and create lasting memories.”​

With a rotating selection of gourmet, small-batch ice creams, STAX prioritizes premium ingredients, unique flavors, and a commitment to freshness. The shop's bright and welcoming atmosphere invites customers in, while the menu—featuring everything from classic favorites to innovative creations—keeps them coming back.​

STAX also proudly offers Nye's Ice Cream Sandwiches, a Wilmington staple that Robert, Leslie, and Tracey acquired, integrating them into the STAX experience. These handcrafted ice cream sandwiches, a popular mobile treat at corporate events and private gatherings, now have a permanent home inside STAX, while still being available for catering and special events throughout the region.​

A Community-Centered Approach

Beyond serving delectable ice cream, STAX aims to foster a strong sense of community. For Robert and Leslie, Wilmington isn't just where they do business—it's home. They've designed STAX to be more than just a dessert spot; it's a place where families can celebrate small victories, friends can meet up for casual catchups, and children can experience the simple joy of an ice cream cone on a hot summer day.​

“We wanted STAX to feel like an extension of the community,” says Leslie. “We're creating a gathering space where people can come together and enjoy something sweet while making memories.”​

To that end, the shop actively participates in local events and partnerships. They engage in school fundraisers, community festivals, and corporate events, ensuring their impact extends beyond serving delicious desserts. By incorporating locally sourced ingredients and collaborating with Wilmington-based businesses, STAX stays rooted in its community, offering not only a place for indulgence but also one that gives back.​

The STAX Experience

Upon entering STAX Ice Cream, customers are greeted with an inviting, modern space that balances a nostalgic love for classic ice cream parlors with a fresh, contemporary twist. The vibrant interior, friendly staff, and enticing aromas of freshly made waffle cones create a welcoming atmosphere that delights patrons of all ages.​

The menu is a feast for the senses. While STAX features classic flavors like Vanilla and Chocolate, it's their signature creations that steal the show. Offerings such as Coffee Toffee Crunch, Blueberry, Birthday Cake, Cookie Monster, Monkey Business, Honeycomb, Biscoff, Salted Almond Butter Crunch, and Fluffy Peanut Butter—all made in-house with premium ingredients—provide a delightful array of choices. The shop also offers vegan and dairy-free options, ensuring everyone can find something to enjoy. 

The cornerstone and impetus for the creation of STAX was to be an extension of Nye’s Cream Sandwiches. Not only can you purchase the sandwiches at the location, but you can also craft your own with a variety of home-made cookies, allowing visitors to create personalized ice cream sandwiches, limited only by their imagination. This fusion of ice cream parlor and bakery results in a destination of full-on deliciousness, where guests can indulge in a variety of sweet treats. ​

A standout feature at STAX is their innovative bubble cones, a creation unlike any other. These unique cones add an extra layer of texture and flavor to the ice cream experience, making each visit memorable.

​Looking Ahead: STAX's Sweet Future

For Robert, Leslie, and Tracey, STAX is just the beginning of what they hope will be a long-lasting impact on Wilmington's dessert scene. Their goal isn't merely to serve ice cream but to become a destination—a place where people go not just for dessert but for an experience.​

“We want to make STAX a staple in Wilmington, the same way our restaurants have become part of the community,” says Leslie. “We envision a future where STAX is the go-to place for not only locals but also visitors seeking an unforgettable ice cream experience.”​

As they continue to refine their flavors, expand their offerings, and deepen their involvement in the community, one thing is clear: STAX Ice Cream isn't just another ice cream shop—it's a labor of love, a commitment to quality, and a sweet spot where memories are made. Whether you're stopping in for a single scoop, crafting your own ice cream sandwich, or simply looking for a place to savor a sweet moment, STAX is ready to welcome you with open arms and a delicious treat.​

STAX Ice Cream is located at 8262 Market Street, Suite 103, Wilmington, NC 28411, and is open daily for anyone looking to indulge in a little bit of happiness, one scoop at a time.  ilovestax.com