Benefit set at Flaming Ice Cube
Michele Stratton-Barratt, owner of The Flaming Ice Cube, a vegan café and shop in the Creekside Plaza, Boardman, shows off some items that will be available at a charity auction Saturday to benefit the Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley.
BOARDMAN
In an area known more for its cheesy, meat-topped pizzas than vegan cuisine, one business owner has managed to thrive and expand.
Michele Stratton-Barratt opened The Flaming Ice Cube in 1997 and moved to the Creekside Plaza in 2002 before opening a second location in Cleveland last year. The Flaming Ice Cube, 1449 Boardman-Canfield Road, is part vegan caf and part shop. Vegan cuisine refrains from using animal products such as eggs, dairy or meat.
Stratton-Barratt said the shop is undergoing changes, too.
“We’ve been going through a metamorphosis for the last seven months,” she said. “I feel we were off track for a few years.”
The mission of the business is “to make the world a better place.”
The caf has an expanded menu with gluten-free dishes and soon will have expanded seating, while the shop no longer will carry certain brands such as Webkinz, a line of stuffed animals, or Crocs shoes.
Instead, a large selection of yarn, assorted teas and artistic and environmentally friendly products have taken their place, and a large circle of chairs in the store encourages patrons to sit, read, knit and visit.
“We want to provide a sense of community for people to connect,” Stratton- Barratt said.
The business also is joining with local charities to promote a sense of community. The Flaming Ice Cube donated gift baskets, jewelry and the use of its shop for a charity auction to benefit the Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley.
The auction begins at 6 p.m. Saturday, and those who attend are asked to give a $5 donation. All profits raised from the live, silent and basket auctions will go to the Rescue Mission.
“Michele has a heart for the mission,” said James G. Echement, the missiona’s executive director.
The profits of the auction will go into the mission’s general fund and be used “where it’s most needed,” he said.
“We’re all about food, shelter, safety and a second chance,” he said.
Auction registration details are online at Flaming- Ice.com or available by calling 330-726-4766. Registration begins at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, and the caf will remain open that day until 9 p.m.
Even though The Flaming Ice Cube is refocusing on its core mission, Stratton-Barratt said she and her employees are light-hearted at work.
“We are all about peace and deliciousness. We have a lofty goal of making the world a better place, but we don’t take ourselves too seriously,” she said.
The business will continue to evolve, but Stratton- Barratt said she feels confident the flagship store will remain in the Mahoning Valley.
“I’m from this area. You should bloom where you’re planted,” she said.