Rooted in childhood memories and a love for community, The Kreamery Shoppe is more than just a place for ice cream—it’s a space created with heart. Inspired by her own upbringing near downtown Concord, owner Michele set out to bring back a place where families can slow down, connect, and enjoy something sweet together.
Growing up near downtown Concord, Michele remembers a simpler kind of joy—walking with her best friends to get bubble gum ice cream, towering sundaes, and crunchy rock candy. Those small rituals weren’t just about sweets; they were about connection, laughter, and having a place where kids could simply be kids. Years later, as a mom of two and a lifelong Concord local, Michele noticed something missing. There were fewer places where families could linger, where kids could hang out after school, or where parents could sit with a coffee while their children enjoyed a treat.
That realization planted the seed for The Kreamery Shoppe.
Michele grew up deeply rooted in the community, built lifelong friendships, and now raises her two kids here. When she decided to open The Kreamery, it wasn’t just about ice cream. It was about stopping, slowing down, and creating a space where families could spend time together. A place that feels warm, welcoming, and familiar. A place that brings back the magic she remembered from her own childhood.
The Kreamery Shoppe is proud to be the only spot in the East Bay serving iconic Mitchell’s Ice Cream, a beloved San Francisco staple. From classic favorites to tropical flavors, rotating spring selections, and cozy winter specials, there’s always something new to fall in love with. The shop even carries a rare Peruvian ice cream that many customers have never tried before. Beyond ice cream, Michele partners with Berks Beans for coffee, and everything—from pies to baked goods—is made in-house, from scratch, and always fresh. Every detail is curated with care.
Owning a small business isn’t easy. Rising costs and the challenge of getting people through the door are constant hurdles. Michele admits that becoming a small business owner means becoming an entrepreneur overnight—learning who to ask for help, building the right team, and leaning into partnerships with others who share the same mission. The support from the community has made all the difference.
Over time, Michele has gotten to know her regulars, learned their favorite flavors, and paid attention to the little things—like the twin boys who run in asking for her by name.
“I may not make the same amount,” she says, “but making customers happy is the mission.”
At The Kreamery Shoppe, every scoop is more than dessert—it’s an experience, a memory, and a promise to love and care for the community that made it all possible. If she could do this journey over again, she would.🍦
In this episode, Michele shares how a love for simple childhood moments turned into a mission-driven small business—and why creating joy matters more than the numbers. 🎙️🍦