We came to Gwen’s Frozen for the food, and we weren’t disappointed.
Erin Nash, the cook and founder, served up a classic Philly cheesesteak, a juicy cheeseburger, and colourful, ice-cold water ices (Philadelphia’s regional pride we were told). Everything was delicious, comforting, and indulgent. The cheesesteak gave us a taste of New York authenticity, the burger was perfectly balanced, and the water ices? In the sweltering, humid Singapore heat, they were refreshingly perfect.
We would have happily written about the food alone.
But as we chatted across the walk-up window, Erin shared the story behind his shop and it quickly became clear to us that Gwen’s Frozen is more than a nostalgic nod to his American roots. Rather, it is a heartfelt second act. A tribute to love, identity and the kind of everyday kindness that holds people together.
Trading Movie Sets for Malt Shakes
After more than a decade in the high stakes world of Hollywood, Erin Nash made a bold move. He chose to trade Hollywood for the Singapore Heartlands, and in return found something much richer.
“I was working with Hollywood. Working on movies and TV shows for, you know, over a decade. It’s a very high-pressure job,” he says.
When the entertainment industry in America stalled due to strikes and his Singaporean wife became pregnant, Erin saw a different future.
“We’re going to have a baby. I want to be present in her life. And at that point, we kind of decided…I don’t want to go back to America.”
That decision led to the creation of Gwen’s Frozen: a bright, retro-inspired American malt shop – the first in Singapore. The shop was created not just as a tribute to his Philadelphia roots, but also as a heartfelt gift to the Singapore community he now calls home.
“This is my passion project. This is my semi-retirement,” he shares. “I created the shop for Singapore at large and for my daughter. To be able to experience, you know, my favourite childhood stuff, which is water ice.”
Bringing Back the Human Touch
Gwen’s Frozen is more than just food. Step inside and you’ll notice: no screens, no QR codes, no ordering kiosks. Just people connecting with people.
“The vibe is face to face,” Erin says. “We get to know our clients. We want to talk to them. Know about their lives. Know what they enjoy. What they like. What they don’t like.”
After years of pandemic-era detachment and the rise of digitalisation, Erin wanted to revive a more intimate, human way of interacting. Some might call it “Americana”, but he describes it as something Singaporean too – “the kampung spirit.” And he found that spirit thriving in the heart of his new neighbourhood.
Kampung Spirit in an American Malt Shop
When a pipe started leaking, it was the owner of the Peranakan restaurant next door who came to the rescue. When they ran out of register tape, a neighbour handed him a new roll without hesitation. Whether it’s recipe feedback or simple startup advice, support flows freely between local business owners.
“We’re constantly trading food with all the neighbours and testing each other’s stuff. Even on Sunday when I ran out of register tape… they were like, here, here, here. Go, go, go.”
Kindness, Erin says, isn’t just alive in the local businesses. It’s also alive in the people who walk through the doors.
“I have the best customers,” he says proudly, “Singaporeans are really earnest. They’re kind. They’re smart. They’re outgoing. I think there’s a lot of positivity here.”
Building a Business with Heart
Erin credits his early success to the community’s openness and high standards. He is also quick to highlight how important feedback has been in shaping his business.
“My entire professional career has been feedback-based,” he says. “I do something, present it to my client, they tell me what they’d like, what they don’t like, I change it, give it back.”
That willingness to adapt is evident in his food. The cheesesteak buns are toasted, a deviation from Philly tradition we were told, but a suggestion that was embraced to better suit local preferences. All in service of one goal: to bring joy.
And while Gwen’s Frozen is named after his daughter, Erin is clear about one thing – this is not a burden she is expected to carry.
“I want her to see me working hard to achieve something. I want her to see me being able to bring joy to people and understand that she can do the same.”
Creating Joy, One Scoop at a Time
Gwen’s Frozen is more than just an American dessert shop. It is a warm, welcoming space that reflects the power of community, the importance of family, and the quiet strength of kindness.
Because, in the end, this isn’t just about frozen custards or cheesesteaks. It is about choosing connection over convenience. About believing that joy and kindness are things worth sharing.
If you’re ever in Joo Chiat Road, we recommend dropping by. Not just for the food (though it really is delicious), but for a reminder of how good it feels to be seen, heard, and welcomed.
Because one scoop at a time, Erin Nash isn’t just building a business, he’s building a community.
Got a favourite neighbourhood spot that’s doing more than just good food?