Toasted Mallow owner Tricia Arce spent nearly a decade in retail management at Bass Pro Shops, where monthly Top Chef-style baking contests were a tradition. Little did she know that a marshmallow-themed contest would kindle a new passion
“This one month the secret ingredient was marshmallow,” says Arce. “I had never been a fan of marshmallows—it was a texture thing—so I thought maybe I could make my own marshmallow that I’ll enjoy.”
Arce’s life took a challenging turn when her grandmother passed away after a long battle with dementia. Seeking solace from grief, she turned to her newfound hobby of making marshmallows. Sharing them with coworkers and receiving positive feedback, she realized there was a potential business opportunity.
Launching an Etsy account and a Kickstarter campaign, Arce aimed to raise $5,000 but exceeded expectations, hitting $12,000. The overwhelming response validated her decision to venture into the marshmallow business full-time, leaving behind her corporate career.
In 2014, Arce proudly opened Arizona’s first marshmallow retail location. In the years that followed, Toasted Mallow went viral on social media and received features on the Cooking Network, Food Channel, TJ Maxx, HomeGoods, and Sweet Pete’s Candy.
Toasted Mallow is truly something special. Their handcrafted mallows are made without corn syrup and are freshly homemade in small batches in the shops. Each marshmallow treat is handcrafted and overseen by Arce to ensure her passion and love goes into each and every bite.
The menu also includes an assortment of desserts, including cupcakes, small cakes, hand-spun milkshakes, cake bites and more.
At Toasted Mallow’s brick and mortar locations in Gilbert and Chandler, you can beat the heat with gourmet milkshakes topped with homemade marshmallow creme. Toasted Mallow is the only store that uses marshmallow creme instead of whipped cream atop their delicious milkshakes and cold drinks. Or, try a homemade s’more, toasted onsite with handmade crackers.
While Arce saw initial success with the store’s opening, she noticed a huge decline in customer walk-ins, bulk purchases and corporate catering after the pandemic.
“When the pandemic came, people rallied behind small businesses to support them,” says Arce. “But now, everyone is in the groove of convenience, fast food and drive-thrus and not as focused on supporting small businesses in the community. I thought maybe I was failing somewhere or mismanaging, but when I posted about my experience on social media I had a lot of businesses reach out about their own struggles with their taxes, rent and payroll.”
Arce says she even had companies from California echo her experiences.
“People have forgotten that small businesses are the backbone of our society and the innovators and creators. Without them in our neighborhoods our communities will die and be open to big corporations,” says Arce. “It’s been a struggle to support our families, coworkers and communities.”
Arce suggests that even if you aren’t able to visit your local small businesses to post their product on social media.
“Everyone has social media. If you have a business you enjoy, share them in your feed, tag them, it’s a great way of supporting them. Sharing reviews is another great way. It’s all about the algorithm and the more views and shares that will highlight a business will help them grow so others can see them,” suggests Arce.
To try the delectable treats from Toasted Mallow, there are various options available. Toasted Mallow has online ordering, delivery and two brick-and-mortar stores in Chandler and Gilbert. For larger events, Toasted Mallow is known for its catering, providing full s’mores bars at weddings and corporate functions. Toasted Mallow also offers wholesale, bulk orders and special orders.
Visit Toasted Mallow at one of two Valley locations below, or order here.
Toasted Mallow Gilbert
1034 N. Gilbert Road, Unit 2 Gilbert, AZ 85234
Tuesday–Saturday: 12 p.m.–8p.m.; Sunday, 12 p.m.–5 p.m. Closed Monday.
480-686-9071
Toasted Mallow Cupcakery, Chandler
1055 S. Arizona Ave., Suite 7, Chandler, AZ 85286
Wednesday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Closed Monday and Tuesday.
480-508-5659
Photos courtesy Toasted Mallow
