OC's South Pole Ice Cream Roll brings dessert trend to Eastern Shore

Rolled ice cream has rolled into Ocean City and is now making its way to Salisbury. 

Jack Chen, owner of South Pole Ice Cream Roll, opened his Ocean City shop in early July and is now gearing up for his Salisbury opening Aug. 8.

Rolled ice cream is a dessert trend that's sweeping the nation. Originating in Thailand, this ice cream differs from what's served in your average scoop shop, with the ice cream starting as a liquid that is poured onto an ice plate. 

South Pole's ice plates are set at -12 degrees Fahrenheit. The liquid is moved around the ice plate to be turned into a flat, frozen solid and is rolled. The ice cream rolls are then placed into a cup for customers to satisfy their sweet tooth. 

“It takes about two minutes," Chen said about the ice cream's process of going from liquid to rolled solid. 

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Chen first noticed the ice cream trend during a trip to New York City last October. Walking past a rolled ice cream shop he saw it buzzing with customers and stepped inside. He was surprised at all the business and decided to bring it to the Shore. 

“I think it’s a good idea to bring that here (to) Ocean City and Salisbury because this is new for everybody," he said. 

South Pole is one of the only rolled ice cream shops in the surrounding area. Chen said he is the first to bring it to Ocean City and Salisbury. The owner did his research during the winter to perfect the dessert technique and solidify his business plan. 

“If I really like to do something, I want to start right away," he said. "I want to make my dream come true.”

South Pole's ice cream starts as milk, cream and egg yolks, he said. Customers can choose from 12 flavors to customize the ice cream base. 

Flavors include Monkey Business, which is Nutella and banana; Strawberry Shortcake, containing strawberry and graham cracker, and Sweet Love, which is chocolate and peanut butter.

The rolled ice cream is topped with up to three toppings. Customers can choose from various fruits, candies and syrups. Cups are priced at $6.60 each. 

Chen found the Ocean City location on North Division Street in January. He said the location was perfect with its close proximity to the Boardwalk and its next door neighbor, Tony's Pizza. 

South Pole's Salisbury location will be in Sea Gull Square, to attract the Salisbury University crowd and locals alike. He said there's already buzz surrounding the Salisbury shop, with customers waiting for opening day. 

“That is a good sign," Chen said. 

Chen isn't new to the Eastern Shore business scene. He owns others in the area, including East Moon Japanese Steakhouse and Reign Restaurant & Event Center. This is his first ice cream shop endeavor. 

Looking into the future, he hopes to make rolled ice cream popular on the Shore, so he can possibly expand the South Pole brand. 

“I like to bring something new," Chen said. 

If you go: 

What: South Pole Ice Cream Roll

Ocean City location: 10 N. Division St. 

Ocean City hours (summer only): Noon to 12 a.m. Mondays through Thursdays, noon to 1 a.m. Fridays through Sundays

Salisbury location (opening Aug. 8): 1306 S. Salisbury Blvd.

Salisbury hours (year-round): TBA 

Contact: southpoleicecreamroll.com

On Twitter: @The_MegRyan