Today we’d like to introduce you to Warren Schwartz
Hi Warren, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Magpies Softserve is a scratch-made soft serve dessert shop where we create our own mixes and make all toppings in-house. Our goal was to go beyond the typical vanilla and chocolate flavors by offering soft serve that evokes the nostalgic tastes of our childhood and the flavors that inspired us to become chefs.
We’ve always had a deep love for ice cream, and opening a dessert shop has been a lifelong dream. The idea came to us during a family vacation in Palm Desert. For nostalgia’s sake, we stopped by a Dairy Queen, and while enjoying our cones, the idea struck us simultaneously: “Let’s create a chef-inspired Dairy Queen!” From there, the concept of Magpies was born—soft serve made from scratch with flavors that tell our story, all paired with in-house toppings.
Rose, a Korean American raised in South Florida, and Warren, a native of California’s San Fernando Valley, came together to craft unique flavors that reflect our backgrounds. From Horchata (a non-dairy option) and Cortadito (sweetened Cuban espresso) to Yuzu Honey (a traditional Korean tea with a distinctive twist for the American palate), each flavor we create is authentic to who we are and the stories we want to share.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Sure! Here’s a more polished version of your text:
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I’m not sure there’s enough space to cover all the challenges! To begin with, building spaces is a major hurdle. Permitting is notoriously difficult and frustrating, leading to expensive delays and requiring an incredible amount of time and persistence to navigate successfully.
Next, there’s the issue of staffing and dealing with California labor laws. Finding employees who not only share a passion for excellence at work but in all aspects of life is already challenging. Add to that the complexity of labor laws, and managing staff becomes a full-time responsibility in itself.
COVID-19 has completely changed the game. The entire industry is still grappling with how to adapt and survive in the new reality. It’s the same story you hear all the time—rising costs, increased labor expenses, and constantly shifting expectations from guests about what they’re willing to spend and what they expect from their dining experience.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Magpies Softserve is a dessert shop known for its high-quality, house-made soft-serve ice cream with a creative twist. Magpies focuses on unique flavors, including both dairy and vegan options, made from scratch using real ingredients. They often incorporate bold, unexpected flavors, offering a modern take on soft-serve that appeals to both adventurous eaters and those who enjoy classic, nostalgic treats. Magpies Softserve is also known for its seasonal specials, toppings, and ice cream pies, making it a popular spot for dessert enthusiasts in Los Angeles. We are know not only for our soft serve, but our soft serve pies as well!
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Leadership—specifically, the ability to communicate to the staff that what we do is important and makes a positive impact on our guests. The ability to lead by example, train the team effectively, holds staff accountable, and recognize and praise exceptional work.
Grit – Always moving forward while holding the highest of standards, no matter how difficult.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.magpiessoftserve.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/magpiessoftserve/
Image Credits
Kristian Bogner
