Overview
- Banks staged a first taste in Manhattan on Dec. 10 and has a timed activation at ARTECHOUSE in Chelsea Market scheduled for Dec. 15–21, with ticketed entry.
- The item is served ladled from a pot and tastes like a cross between hot cocoa and an ice cream sundae, launching in a Santa SMiZE Cookies flavor.
- SMiZE & Dream introduced the concept at its Sydney flagship earlier this year before U.S. demand prompted a New York rollout via pop-ups and an immersive installation.
- Banks says she will not trademark the general idea of hot ice cream and signals plans to place it in select New York cafes and high‑end restaurants, potentially including Michelin‑starred venues.
- Online response has mixed curiosity and confusion, pop-up details have at times been vague, and Banks' Santa SMiZE performances have fueled attention as she promotes the product in the city.