In 2013 the two sisters Cecilia Havmoeller and Susanna Paller opened Veganista, Austria’s first vegan ice cream parlour. Success was immediate and their artisan, dairy-free ice cream in combination with an award-winning retail design has created a stir worldwide. After a very successful first year of business where the demand forced the sisters to keep open in winter, Veganista has just opened their second ice cream parlour in Margaretenstrasse 51 in the middle of the Austrian capital’s Meatpacking District, somewhat ironic for a vegan business.

“Many have asked us to open here and as with our first shop we wanted to be in an upcoming, vibrant, neighbourhood. We are especially happy to be in a street that is turning into Vienna’s vegan mile” says Cecilia, CEO of the company. The new shop that opened for business on December 8th shares the same minimalistic yet inviting design of the first shop that has been widely praised in both national and international design circles and allows for the ice cream to take centre stage.

“Our high-end ice cream is 100% vegan, free from artificial ingredients or prefabricated pastes, and hand made using the finest, natural ingredients”, explains Susanna, Head Chef and the brain behind exciting flavors such as Basil, Matcha, and Poppy Seed. “About half of our customers are non-vegans but simply come looking for the best tasting artisan ice cream. We look forward to serving our great ice cream to even more of our great customers, old or new” concludes Cecilia with a the smile of someone who is managing to sell ice cream in the harsh Austrian winter like water in the desert.

Photo credit: Veganista and Severin Wurnig
Retail Design: Veganista and lenz+büro für visuelle gestaltung
Architect: Mag. Peter Paller