Shug’s Soda Fountain & Ice Cream is preparing for its next chapter in Pike Place Market with a relocation just steps away from its original home. According to a recent liquor license filing, the business plans to reopen at 1530 Pike Place in Seattle.
Owner Colleen Wilkie told What Now Seattle that Shug’s is relocating one block west from its former Pike Place Market home. While an exact opening date has not been announced, the owners said they are working to reopen soon.
While customers can still expect many of the ice cream shop’s signature offerings, the move also brings some operational changes. Colleen explained that the new location will occupy a smaller footprint, prompting the team to streamline its menu and focus primarily on grab-and-go service.
“Though we are going to be serving some of our most popular ice cream treats, we are also simplifying our menu, and everything that we are offering is going to be mostly to-go because we’ve downsized our space from 1,200 square feet to 500 square feet.”
The decision to relocate was driven by both business and personal considerations. “It’s a better location for the longevity of our business. We’ve been at the upper location for ten years, so we were looking for a change.”
She also shared that simplifying operations became increasingly important as a parent and business owner.
“As a business owner with two young children, I also wanted to simplify my life, and I felt like this change would allow me to better spend time with my children and make things a little bit easier as both a business owner and a mother.”
Opened in May 2016 by Seattle natives Colleen Wilkie and Paul Dormann, Shug’s was born out of a simple love for ice cream.
“We opened Shug’s because, when I was pregnant, I ate a lot of ice cream.” What began as a pregnancy craving soon evolved into a business idea when her husband and business partner, Paul Dormann, suggested opening an ice cream shop of their own.
After finding a space within Pike Place Market, the pair pitched their soda fountain concept to market leadership and moved forward with the idea.
Over the years, Shug’s has become known for its nostalgic yet modern approach to treats, serving sundaes, sodas, floats, house-made syrups and sauces, ice cream cocktails, and locally sourced ingredients.
Customers visiting the new location can expect a familiar Shug’s experience, along with a few surprises.
“Paul and I have built everything and designed it ourselves. We’ve laid every tile, painted the walls, and chosen all the accents ourselves. I think people will be really surprised by what it looks like.”
She added that the menu will continue to highlight fan favorites while introducing a few new additions.
“It’s just kind of a stamp of what was previously there, highlighting the things that people enjoyed the most.”
For Colleen and Paul, both lifelong Seattle residents, remaining in Pike Place Market carries special meaning. She added that the move feels full circle, as both she and her husband spent time visiting the market as children.
“To be able to be there is like a dream come true, honestly,” Colleen said.
