Plant+Love’s artisan scoops, including black raspberry fudge brownie, are made in-house. Credit: Celine Duvoisin

St. Petersburg's EDGE District just keeps on growing. The newest addition to the popular hub for both bites and beverages is an artist collective with vegan ice cream.

A soft opening for Plant+Love Ice Cream at 953 Central Ave. begins Friday, Jan. 18.

"The vegan community in St. Pete is thriving right now, and there aren't any vegan ice cream shops," says co-owner Matthew Matchin. "There are places that offer vegan ice cream options, but there isn't anywhere offering 100-percent vegan ice cream."

Last year, Matchin — along with his mother and co-owner, Joanne Matchin, and his friend and partner, Matthew Kurtyka — started Plant+Love as The Conscious Creamery. But the trio changed the shop's name a month later after discovering a San Diego gelato company had the same one.

"There was a conflict of interest, so we were still new enough to be able to change our name," Matthew Matchin says.

The name Plant+Love has a double meaning: love of plants (because vegan ice cream) and to plant love (as a philosophy).

An alternative to your average ice cream, Plant+Love's artisan scoops are made in-house with an organic coconut milk base. Fifty flavors — including lemon ginger, Divine Chocolate and a CBD-infused option — will rotate 10 at a time, giving guests the chance to regularly sample something different.

Ranging from $4 to $8, ice cream sandwiches and flights, Italian treat affogato and milkshakes are also featured.

These menu items, according to Matchin, are easier on the body and stomach, which means customers won't leave feeling sluggish or like they need a nap.

"We want to be able to provide a healthier option to something just as indulgent," he says. "There's a lot of vegans looking for options, and we want to cater to them."

The 1,000-square-foot, 12-seat shop has taken over what was previously the Necessories women's boutique. When guests walk in, the first thing they see is a hand-painted mural created by Kurtyka. Work from local artists will come and go inside Plant+Love on a monthly basis, bringing more exposure to the St. Pete art scene.

The inaugural showcase includes Kurtyka, plus Sunya Masizame and Katherine Davidson.

"We want to create a more interesting environment where people want to come and hang out. Plant+Love is going to be based around art and the community," says Matchin.

During the soft-opening stage, a limited lineup of vegan ice cream is planned. Matchin will expand the menu by adding new offerings until the grand opening in early March.

Plant+Love's hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and 8 a.m. to midnight Friday through Sunday.

"We want to plant love," Joanne says. "Our goal is to bring people, community and love to our little corner of the world."

Matthew Matchin adds: "And delicious ice cream."