Building an Ice Cream Sandwich Empire, One Stack at a Time
By: Jessica Maurer
Photography by: Matt Ray Photography
Nye’s Cream Sandwiches hit the Wilmington market in 2010 when founder Christian Nye set out to create a gourmet version of a familiar treat by pairing homemade ice cream and cookies. The concept quickly took off, building a strong local following and proving there was real demand for gourmet frozen desserts.
Chef Robert Pickens was among the brand’s earliest supporters. As the former executive chef at a private golf club, he introduced Nye’s to members as a specialty dessert, where it quickly became a staple at club gatherings.
In 2024, when Nye was ready to pass the business on, he found a natural fit in Robert Pickens and his wife, Leslie Pickens, who are the owners and operators of Kornerstone Bistro and Tidewater Oyster Bar. The couple stepped in with a clear goal of preserving what makes Nye’s special while finding ways to expand the brand.
When the space next to Kornerstone Bistro became available around the same time, they decided to create a build-your-own ice cream sandwich shop that could serve as both a retail shop for Nye’s and a public-facing test kitchen for new flavors. Rather than brand the shop as Nye’s, however, the Pickenses chose to name the shop Stax Ice Cream Kitchen, in reference to the stacking of ice cream between homemade cookies. The couple partnered with Tracey Altman, a veteran of the food product industry, to help create and market the Stax brand.
While Nye’s Cream Sandwiches are made at a facility near the Wilmington International Airport, Stax makes all its cookies and ice cream on site in Porters Neck.
Customers can build their own ice cream sandwiches, called Stax Sliders, or opt for creations like ice cream nachos, bubble waffle sundaes, ice cream flights and banana splits.
“We always have a vegan option and a dairy-free option,” Robert Pickens said. “And usually about six types of cookies to choose from. Right now, we have a lava cake cookie that’s been really popular thanks to a viral trend.”
Stax has also helped to grow the Nye’s brand by serving as a testing ground for new ice cream sandwiches. Some of the Nye’s flavors that have been developed at Stax include Bananas Foster, Lemon Ice Box Pie, Turtle Cheesecake, Double Chocolate and Peaches & Cream.
Nye’s Cream Sandwiches can be shipped anywhere in the U.S. and Canada, and offers private labeling for special events. Nye’s is also now served in several major sports arenas.
In addition to Stax, you can find Nye’s locally at Robert’s Grocery, Biggers Market, Pine Valley Market, NOMA, Blue Moon Gift Shops and Motts Channel Seafood.
Stax Ice Cream Kitchen is located at 8262 Market St., Suite 103, and is open daily from noon to 9 p.m.
