Vegan ice cream parlor preps for launch in Herndon next week

A new ice cream parlor that caters to niche clientele is opening soon in Herndon.

Crème de la Crop, a vegan ice cream parlor, is set to open officially on Saturday (Sept. 9). It’s part of a shared commercial kitchen alongside Chiboo Bakery and Wined and Dined Catering at 273 Sunset Park Drive.

Olivia Green, the chef and owner, says she looks forward to the grand opening, which will take place alongside Chiboo Bakery — another woman-owned business.

“As a lactose intolerant pastry chef with a litany of allergies, I wanted to create a product I could finally eat, that tastes just like the real thing,” Green said in a statement. “Too many times I’ve seen places check off a box on a menu to appease a demographic, with little thought behind the food. People with dietary restrictions are an often-neglected population — and deserve to have delicious, thoughtful food (including dessert). And even though our ice cream is crafted for vegans and people with allergies, it’s meant for everyone! Seriously, dairy lovers find it indistinguishable from the real thing.”

The ice cream shop will offer a rotating selection of seasonal flavors like coconut key lime, grasshopper, and tahini caramel. The company also offers pre-orders for pickup several times a month.

A former Michelin star pastry chef, Green launched the business after working in bakeries and fine dining restaurants in D.C.

After launching a pop-up in April 2022, she decided to open up a storefront within a shared kitchen.

All of the shop’s ingredients are plant based and ice creams are made with gluten-free oat milk. All ice cream contains small amount of coconut milk or oil.

Pre-orders for Crème de la Crop will officially launch on Wednesday, Sept. 6. Retail hours are planned on select Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.