Artisanal gelato and sorbet company Cloud Cups is set to open its first brick and mortar location in Fishtown, Philadelphia this spring. Owners Galen Thomas, Kolade Oronti, and Drew Posey are set to serve their first scoops late March or early April at 2313 Frankford Ave., a location they will be sharing with Pizza Brain.
Founded in 2018, Cloud Cups got its start as a CBD-infused gelato business before pivoting to traditional gelato and sorbet. They have since accumulated over 90 unique flavors, and the new Philly location will serve 100% family-friendly desserts.
Thomas, a founder, says he is excited to get in front of customers and introduce them to the company’s extensive menu, adding, “I don’t mean to say that every single flavor is good, but it really is.”
Thomas has an artisanal training background at Carpigiani’s Gelato University program in Illinois, Philly Voice reported.
The Black-owned business will be picking up where Little Baby’s Ice Cream left off – the previous ice scream shop, once located in the same pizza parlor, closed its doors during the pandemic. Now, Thomas says he sees an opportunity to fill a void in the community with Cloud Cups.
Thomas says he expects the new scoopery to have a rotation of a dozen or so flavors at a time, with holiday and seasonal specials on the menu. Cloud Cups is also debuting a hot-and-cold dessert, a “Cloud Panini” that looks to pair their gelato and sorbet with a fresh-baked pastry.
The store’s hours of operation will be Thursday through Sunday, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., and the location will serve vegan and dairy-free items as well.
“We’re excited to be a part of Fishtown,” Thomas says. “There’s so many new developments coming in the area, and a lot of foot traffic.”
