Beloved Cape Town ice cream brand could still scoop up a happy ending

Beloved Cape Town artisan ice cream brand The Creamery could yet be saved after its owners confirmed they are exploring interest from potential buyers, despite plans to close all of the brand’s remaining stores in the coming weeks.

The possibility of a new owner has emerged following an overwhelming public response to news that The Creamery would cease trading after 15 years.

In a statement sent to The South African quoting a Food Lover’s Market spokesperson, the company said the outpouring of support from customers had sparked interest from several parties who believe there is still a future for the iconic brand.

“That support has also resulted in interest from a number of parties who see value in the future of The Creamery brand and have reached out to us,” the spokesperson said.

“While it is still too early to comment on any specific outcome, we are pleased to be exploring these opportunities and remain hopeful that there may be a future for The Creamery in some form.”

While no deal has been confirmed, the statement offers hope that the much-loved Cape Town brand could continue under new ownership.

Stores still set to close

For now, however, Food Lover’s Market, through its subsidiary Seattle Coffee Company, has confirmed that The Creamery’s four remaining stores in the Mother City will close as planned.

The closures affect branches in Mouille Point, Durbanville, Palmyra Junction and Newlands.

The South African has established that the Palmyra Junction store will close on Sunday, 19 July, while the Mouille Point, Durbanville and Newlands branches are scheduled to close on Sunday, 16 August.

The brand’s Constantia Emporium store closed in February 2023.

‘An incredibly difficult decision’

The company said the closure was not taken lightly.

“It has been an incredibly difficult decision to close The Creamery business,” the statement read.

“After careful consideration, we made the business decision to cease trading and to close the production facility.”

The company explained that it acquired The Creamery during the Covid-19 pandemic after the previous owners faced severe trading challenges.

“The Creamery became part of our business during the Covid-19 pandemic, when we acquired the brand from its previous owners at a particularly challenging time.

“While we are proud to have been part of its journey, our business has evolved over the years and The Creamery is no longer a strategic focus for us.”

The company added that its immediate priority is supporting employees through the transition.

A Cape Town success story

Founded in 2011 by former chef Kate Schrire and business partner Marianne Visser, The Creamery built a devoted following by selling handcrafted ice cream made with local, seasonal ingredients at Cape Town markets before opening its first permanent store in Newlands in 2013.

The business later expanded to multiple retail outlets and a production facility in Salt River, becoming one of South Africa’s best-known artisanal ice cream brands.

Seattle Coffee Company acquired the business during the Covid-19 pandemic after it encountered significant financial pressures. Schrire remained involved until 2023, and at one stage the company employed around 65 people.

Although customers are preparing to say goodbye to the remaining stores, the emergence of interested buyers means The Creamery’s story may not be over just yet.

Who sells the best ice cream in South Africa?

Let us know by clicking on the comment banner below …