Author’s Note: This post highlights one of the many wonderful local businesses and activities that you can discover in beautiful and vibrant Hopkins Village! Take a leisurely stroll or use Hamanasi’s complimentary bikes to explore this wonderful destination. If you prefer a guided exploration check out our Hopkins Village by Bike Adventure.
Nice Cream Premium Ice Cream Shop is a favorite destination in Hopkins for locals and tourists alike. It’s no surprise that it gets rave reviews from both Hamanasi’s staff and guests. This female owned business offers sweet, refreshing and delicious treats from ice cream and smoothies to boba tea. It is run by two amazing Garifuna women and uses locally sourced products.
It is easy to spot the vibrant orange and blue building two blocks north of the police station. It is located directly on the beach and open daily from 10:00 am – 8:00 pm, except on Thursdays when it is open from 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm.
The owners of Nice Cream are a dynamic sisterly duo with a passion for making fresh, locally sourced ice cream. Marissa Robinson and Kyra Lewis purchased Nice Cream in 2018 from a couple who wanted to see the ice cream shop remain in the village after they moved. From the very beginning the sisters had a vision for what they wanted this ice cream shop to be. They wanted to give a true Belizean experience by sharing cultural flavors with their delicious homemade ice cream, support local businesses by purchasing locally sourced products, and ensure they consistently make a premium ice cream that won’t ‘hurt the pocket’.
When Nice Cream first began there were 5 regular flavors offered and now they have expanded the menu to 19 flavors, including several dairy free options. Co-owner Kyra Lewis is the primary ice cream maker, while Marissa does the set-up, decorations and promoting of this newly renovated shop. When making ice creams, Kyra draws a lot of inspiration from the local flavors and produce such as sweet corn, coconut, cassava, and soursop while keeping some of the classics like strawberry and cookies & cream. For both Kyra and Marissa, making ice cream flavors inspired from childhood treats and local produce is a ‘cultural thing’. They are passionate about sharing and celebrating these Belizean flavors.
“Our Belizean customers are the backbone of our business. We want to keep the price so anyone can say, ‘Let’s go get a Nice Cream.’”
A secret to why Nice Cream ice cream is so delicious is not only that their ice cream is made in small batches to ensure freshness, but that they use fresh and local products. This is a win-win for everybody as they can support other small local businesses, as well as use the best products for their ice cream. It is important for them to utilize what is around them and accessible. For example, the coconuts for the toasted coconut ice cream are harvested from their property and the soursop comes from the yard of their neighbor or family members!
Kyra and Marissa have worked hard since purchasing the building, invested their money and recently were able to renovate their shop, including adding a beautiful outdoor patio overlooking the sea.
As costs of living, produce and fuel go up in Belize, so does the cost of making these decadent ice creams. It is a challenge to find creative ways to keep the costs down, maintain a consistent and premium product while not ‘hurting the pocket’. As Marissa stated, “Our Belizean customers are the backbone of our business. We want to keep the price so anyone can say, ‘Let’s go get a Nice Cream.’”
Marissa and Kyra have recently begun collaborating with other small pastry-making businesses such as, Joshlyn’s Bakery and Catlin’s Bakery. So not only can you satisfy your sweet tooth cravings with ice cream, but can also try one of their delicious cupcakes, muffins or caramel cakes. Working with other small businesses shows ‘village pride’ and uplifts each other. As Marissa stated, “Collaborating is better than competition. I really truly agree with that, and we look forward to supporting other female entrepreneurs and small businesses.”
“Collaborating is better than competition. I really truly agree with that, and we look forward to supporting other female entrepreneurs and small businesses.”
When you visit Hopkins Village, don’t miss out on the opportunity to try a new flavor of ice cream, grab a smoothie, or indulge in a pastry. You can enjoy your treat on their beautiful, newly constructed patio, overlooking the sea. While you are there, be sure to chat with both Marisa and Kyra about their business — this sisterly duo is a wealth of knowledge and inspiration!
Hungry Yet? Enjoy More Photos of Delicious Nice Cream!
