Sydney Arkin
Bad Walter's Bootleg Ice Cream | Oakland, CA
September 2026
Sydney Arkin spent more than a decade working in advertising before she decided to pivot to something a little sweeter. Originally from New York, Arkin moved out to the Bay Area in 2013. When the pandemic hit in 2020, she found herself itching to do something new. While everyone was embracing the labor-intensive joys of sourdough, Arkin turned to a childhood obsession: ice cream. In fear of supply chain shortages, she stocked up on supermarket pints before purchasing an ice cream maker and experimenting with recipes of her own. A few months later, Arkin left her job. Contemplating what to do next, she was encouraged by her friend, Rising Stars alum Marc Schechter of Square Pie Guys, to start selling her homemade ice cream online. She launched an Instagram account and dove into her craft full-time, developing an avid fan base for her original, eclectic flavors.
When her operation was shut down by the health department for not complying with California's notoriously strict dairy laws, Arkin moved into a commissary space, where she continued to perfect her product and expand her following over the next few years. In September 2024, she opened the brick-and-mortar location of Bad Walter's Bootleg Ice Cream in Oakland's Rockridge neighborhood. Since then, Arkin has continued to refine her approach, pasteurizing her base in-house and adding lactase enzyme to create a creamier, lactose-free product that is ideal for scoops, pints, and more. Her rotating menu features new options every week and often includes special scoops made in collaboration with local businesses, charities, and peers. In addition to creative, high-quality ice creams and sorbets, Arkin is also committed to creating an accessible and welcoming space for all while supporting organizations like 18 Reasons, Punks With Lunch, and the Alameda Food Bank.
2026 StarChefs San Francisco-Oakland Rising Stars Award Winner
