Upper Manhattan has a new destination for handcrafted desserts as Lost Borough Ice Cream opens its second location in Inwood, bringing its signature artisanal flavors, freshly baked cookies and community-focused approach to one of Manhattan’s most culturally diverse neighborhoods.
Located at 4791 Broadway between Cumming Street and Academy Street, the 500-square-foot shop is owned by entrepreneurs Patrick Cruz and Ka-wana Jefferson. The new storefront expands a brand that launched its first location in downtown Yonkers in 2022.
The Inwood shop arrives during National Ice Cream Month, giving neighborhood residents and visitors another reason to indulge in a summer treat while discovering flavors inspired by different cultures and communities.
Among the offerings created specifically for the new location is Fort Tryon, a rose-based ice cream featuring cherries and praline pecans. The shop also serves handmade treats including Snickerdoodle cookies and gluten-free chocolate chip cookies.
For Cruz and Jefferson, however, the business represents more than an expansion of an ice cream company. Both entrepreneurs transitioned from backgrounds connected to social work and education into the competitive artisanal food and hospitality industries.
Cruz serves as the creative force behind Lost Borough Ice Cream, developing distinctive flavor combinations designed to give customers an experience beyond traditional ice cream. Jefferson brings her experience as a hospitality entrepreneur and community-centered business owner to the operation. She is also the owner of Sweet Catch BK, a Brooklyn-based business that has earned critical attention.
Their entrepreneurial paths reflect a growing trend of professionals turning their expertise in service-oriented fields into businesses built around hospitality, creativity and community.
At Lost Borough, that philosophy is reflected in the company’s emphasis on handcrafted products and neighborhood identity. The owners say their goal is to create a welcoming environment where customers can enjoy high-quality desserts while connecting with the culture and character of the communities the brand serves.
The Inwood opening was celebrated with a grand-opening reception featuring local elected officials, media representatives, business leaders and community partners. The July 7 event included ice cream tastings, networking and an introduction to the newest Lost Borough location.
The expansion also positions the company for continued growth while maintaining its focus on creating distinctive flavors and memorable customer experiences.
With its new Upper Manhattan storefront, Lost Borough Ice Cream is tapping into both the city’s enduring love of ice cream and the increasing demand for small businesses that reflect the neighborhoods they serve. For Inwood residents, the arrival offers a locally focused dessert destination just in time for summer.