The Bay Area’s beloved Dipped dessert shop is set to make a significant expansion into Sacramento with its first location at Arden Fair Mall opening in Spring 2025. Taking over a 1,200 square-foot space at 1689 Arden Way, this marks an important milestone in the company’s growth beyond its San Francisco roots. Known for its customizable dipped treats that have garnered a loyal following, Dipped is bringing its unique dessert experience to the capital city as part of its broader California expansion strategy. Sacramento dessert lovers will soon enjoy the brand’s signature ice cream bars, waffles, and cookies with an array of dips and toppings in one of the region’s premier shopping destinations.
From Bay Area Beginnings to Sacramento Sensation
Founded in 2018, Dipped has quickly become a go-to destination for dessert enthusiasts across the San Francisco Bay Area. The company currently operates five successful locations in the region, building a reputation for its creative approach to customizable treats. What started as a small concept has grown into a regional favorite with plans to expand much further in the coming years.
The brand’s growth reflects the increasing consumer demand for personalized dessert experiences. Each Dipped location features an interactive dessert bar where customers can watch their treats being made to their exact specifications. This hands-on experience has helped differentiate Dipped in a competitive market and create a loyal customer base that extends beyond just occasional visitors.
For those planning to visit our area soon, I’d recommend checking out our apparel shop for some foodie-themed merchandise to remember your sweet adventures. And speaking of adventures, Dipped’s journey from a single shop to a growing chain demonstrates how quickly a well-executed dessert concept can capture public imagination.
Create Your Perfect Dessert Experience
What sets Dipped apart from other dessert shops is its highly customizable approach to treats. Customers start with a base item – typically an ice cream bar, waffle, or cookie – then choose from multiple dipping options, toppings, and drizzles to create their perfect dessert. This build-your-own model has proven particularly popular with millennials and Gen Z customers who value personalization.
The signature items at Dipped include premium ice cream bars in various flavors that can be dipped in chocolate, caramel, or white chocolate coatings. These can then be adorned with toppings ranging from classic sprinkles and nuts to more unique options like cookie crumbles and cereal pieces. The final creation is finished with a drizzle of complementary sauce, creating a dessert that’s both delicious and Instagram-worthy.
The most popular flavor combinations include the classic chocolate-dipped vanilla with rainbow sprinkles and the more adventurous matcha ice cream with white chocolate dip and mochi pieces. Strawberry bars paired with dark chocolate dipping and fresh fruit toppings have also gained popularity as one of the most saved desserts of 2025 on social media platforms.
For those with dietary restrictions, Dipped offers inclusive options for all customers. Vegan ice cream bases and gluten-free cookies and waffles ensure everyone can enjoy a customized treat. The company uses dedicated preparation areas and tools to prevent cross-contamination, making it a trusted option for those with allergies or dietary preferences.
Arden Fair Mall: The Perfect Fit for Dipped
Selecting Arden Fair Mall as the location for Dipped’s Sacramento debut was a strategic decision based on visibility and foot traffic. Located at 1689 Arden Way, the mall serves as one of Sacramento’s primary shopping destinations, attracting millions of visitors annually. With over 170 stores spread across 1.1 million square feet of retail space, the mall provides an ideal environment for Dipped to introduce itself to the Sacramento market.
Arden Fair Mall has been working to diversify its food options beyond traditional mall fare, making Dipped a welcome addition to their culinary lineup. The 1,200 square-foot location will be designed with the brand’s signature aesthetic – combining modern, clean lines with pops of vibrant color that reflect the playful nature of the desserts they serve.
The space will include ample seating for customers to enjoy their creations on-site, as well as efficient packaging options for those who prefer to take their treats to go. A special viewing area will allow mall visitors to watch the dipping process, creating an engaging spectacle that draws attention even from those who might not have initially planned to stop for dessert.
This location joins other trendy food offerings at the mall, creating a more diverse dining experience for shoppers. For those interested in exploring all the dessert options in the area, I’ve found that homemade ice cream sandwiches make a wonderful complement to these specialty shop offerings when entertaining at home.
The Sweet Science of Dipping
At the core of Dipped’s concept is the technical process of creating perfectly dipped treats. The company has refined their dipping techniques to ensure consistent quality across all locations. Temperature control is crucial – the dipping chocolate must be maintained at precisely 91-93°F to achieve the optimal texture and shine when it sets.
Each dipping station features specialized equipment that keeps the dipping mediums at the perfect temperature throughout the day. Staff members undergo extensive training to master the proper dipping technique, ensuring even coating and preventing common issues like air bubbles or uneven distribution. This attention to detail extends to the finishing touches, with carefully calibrated drizzle bottles for creating those perfect Instagram-worthy designs.
Beyond the technical aspects, Dipped regularly updates its offerings to include seasonal flavors and limited-time combinations. Their summer 2025 menu is expected to include tropical-inspired options like coconut ice cream with passion fruit drizzle, while fall will bring pumpkin spice and apple cider flavors to complement their latest soft serve trends.
For customers who develop their own winning combinations, Dipped encourages sharing on social media using their branded hashtags. The most popular customer creations occasionally make it onto the “Fan Favorites” section of the menu, creating an interactive relationship between the brand and its customers.
Expansion Plans and California Dessert Market Impact
The Sacramento location represents just the beginning of Dipped’s ambitious expansion strategy throughout California. The company has set a target of opening 10 new locations by the end of 2025, focusing primarily on Northern and Southern California markets. This aggressive growth plan aims to capitalize on the brand’s popularity while maintaining the quality and experience that built their reputation.
To facilitate this growth, Dipped is exploring franchise opportunities with carefully selected partners who understand the brand’s vision and commitment to quality. Each new location will maintain the core customization concept while allowing for minor regional adaptations to cater to local preferences. This could include featuring locally sourced ingredients or developing special menu items that resonate with each community.
The expansion into Sacramento places Dipped in direct competition with established local dessert shops and national chains. However, the company believes its unique customization model creates differentiation in a crowded market. Market research indicates growing consumer interest in dessert experiences that go beyond simply purchasing a treat – they want engagement, personalization, and shareability.
According to industry analysts, the premium dessert market in California continues to show strong growth potential, especially for concepts that offer global dessert flavors and customization. Dipped’s entry into Sacramento is expected to both benefit from and contribute to this trend, potentially accelerating interest in artisanal and customized dessert offerings throughout the region.
A Dessert Destination in the Making
“We’re thrilled to bring our unique dessert experience to Sacramento,” says the Dipped CEO. “The vibrant community and food scene make it the perfect location for our first expansion beyond the Bay Area.” This enthusiasm is matched by Arden Fair Mall representatives who note, “Dipped will be a sweet addition to our diverse food offerings.”
Beyond just another dessert option, Dipped is expected to become a destination in itself, potentially increasing foot traffic to the mall. The interactive nature of the concept creates an experience that draws customers specifically to try the customizable treats. Mall management anticipates that Dipped will particularly appeal to families looking for a fun activity and treat combination, as well as younger shoppers who value experiential retail.
As Sacramento’s food scene continues to evolve, Dipped joins a growing number of specialty dessert concepts catering to increasingly sophisticated consumer palates. The timing aligns well with the rising interest in 2025’s hottest dessert pairings and interactive food experiences. For those who discover a new favorite combination at Dipped, I encourage you to submit your dessert recipe to be featured on our site!
The Spring 2025 opening is anticipated to include special grand opening promotions and limited-time offerings exclusive to the Sacramento location. Local dessert enthusiasts should mark their calendars for what promises to be a notable addition to Arden Fair’s dining options. If you have a favorite local dessert shop you’d like to see featured alongside Dipped, consider submitting it to our business directory so fellow dessert lovers can discover it too.