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Oh, happy days! If there ever were a (pre) Christmas miracle, this would be it.
After announcing in July that it would close its remaining stores after 15 years of scooping, a beloved local ice-cream brand has pulled off the sweetest U-turn.
Following an overwhelming public response, The Creamery will live to scoop another day. And judging by the reaction, Cape Town was absolutely not ready to let go.
The Creamery confirmed that its stores in Newlands, Mouille Point, Durbanville and Palmyra Junction in Claremont will remain open.
Its owner, Food Lover’s Market, which operates the brand through Seattle Coffee Company, says the response to the proposed closure was “pretty incredible.” Customers flooded the business with messages, memories and appeals to keep the brand going.
So, yes, that collective citywide sigh of relief you just heard? Probably ice-cream related.
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In an official statement on its social media channels, The Creamery declared: “Well, hello again.
“We heard you. We felt the love. And we’re very happy to say… we’re still here! There’s plenty we’re excited to share, but for now, just know that The Creamery lives on.
“The scoops keep coming! Watch this space.”
A very sweet comeback
The Creamery opened in 2011, founded by former chef Kate Schrire and business partner Marianne Visser.
It started small, with handcrafted ice cream made with local and seasonal ingredients, and grew into one of Cape Town’s most recognisable artisan ice-cream brands. The first permanent store opened in Newlands in 2013.
The Creamery became the post-beach fuel, date-night territory, a family tradition and the answer to that eternal question: Do we really need ice cream in winter?
Obviously, yes.
A walk down memory lane
Time Out’s Richard Holmes recalled being a customer from the early days and described the brand’s commitment to real eggs, good dairy and seasonal produce.
Then came the shock announcement that it was all coming to an end.
Food Lover’s Market initially said its broader business priorities had evolved and The Creamery was no longer part of its long-term strategy. Apparently, Cape Town ice cream lovers had other plans.
Instead of a farewell tour, The Creamery gets to write a fresh chapter.
Food Lover’s Market says The Creamery is moving forward with “fresh energy, a renewed focus, and a big appetite for what comes next”.
For now, the important bit is that the doors are open, the freezers are stocked, and the scoops are still coming.
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