Move over Graeter’s, there’s a new ice cream shop in town that’s a must-try for anyone who loves ice cream.
Although
Hello Honey has only been open a little more than a month (its official opening day was July 16), it’s already a clear hit with ice-cream savvy Cincinnatians.
That popularity is in part because owners Brian and Pook Nicely make their ice cream from scratch. Everything, even the marshmallow toppers, is made from scratch.
The Nicelys started their ice cream venture a few years ago by making products for their friends and family. At home, they used fresh ingredients, and they figured they could open an ice cream shop using that same concept.
So Pook used her experience working in restaurants and now oversees the daily operations of Hello Honey. Brian still has a full-time job, but he’s at the shop in the evenings and on the weekends.
Hello Honey’s Vine Street location reaches a wide variety of customers: downtown workers and residents, college students and families. For now, the Nicelys want to focus on one location. They enjoy being part of the energy behind independent businesses downtown.
Hello Honey’s menu rotates constantly to adapt to the availability of seasonal ingredients, especially fruit, and to make room for new dessert ideas. Brian says Pook has a great imagination for whipping up flavor combinations, so when inspiration strikes, the new flavor goes on the menu. Unique combinations go hand-in-hand with more traditional options.
“We want folks to be able to come in and get something they really enjoy, and perhaps get a taste of something they never knew they would like,” Brian says.
Not only will you get a great treat at Hello Honey, but if you come at the right time, you might be able to see the ice cream being made from start to finish.
By Caitlin Koenig
Caitlin Koenig is new to Cincinnati, but she’s getting to know her way around. When she’s not writing, she enjoys exploring the city with her husband and playing with her dog, Casper.