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Beloved Cape Town ice cream brand The Creamery's store closures have left fans heartbroken, but the company may not be gone for good. Food Lover's Market, through its subsidiary Seattle Coffee Company, confirmed that The Creamery's four remaining stores in Cape Town will close as planned. However, an overwhelming public response to news of The Creamery's demise has sparked interest from potential buyers looking to revive the brand. According to a Food Lover's Market spokesperson, several parties believe there is still a future for The Creamery brand.
And so, The Creamery, which was founded in 2011 by Kate Schrire and Marianne Visser, may yet be saved. The duo started selling handcrafted ice cream at Cape Town markets before opening the first permanent store in Newlands in 2013. Under Seattle Coffee Company's ownership, the brand expanded to multiple retail outlets and a production facility in Salt River, becoming one of South Africa's best-known artisanal ice cream brands. Unfortunately, the company explained that acquiring The Creamery during the Covid-19 pandemic led to a shift in its business strategy.
Stores still set to close For now, however, the four remaining The Creamery stores in Mouille Point, Durbanville, Palmyra Junction, and Newlands will close as planned. 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.
'The support from customers has resulted in interest from several parties who see value in the future of The Creamery brand,' said a Food Lover's Market spokesperson. '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.'
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.