Michael “Mikey” Cole was born and raised in New York City. He opened his ice cream shop, Mikey Likes It Ice Cream, to fill a void in a community that was often misunderstood, misinformed, and misrepresented.
“Leaders of the new scoop” is what you will find on your cup when you order your ice cream at Mikey’s. It is said to be “the worlds first pop-culture inspired premium ice cream brand.”
“The inspiration behind the ice cream shop is to create a safe haven for everyone that also creates memories and empowers the community,” Mikey tells Travel Noire.
“This is my version of the lemonade stand. The kids now have to be encouraged and empowered to be able to reach their goals and in turn, be successful.”
Mikey’s love for making ice cream can be credited to his late Aunt Lucy. He came across an ice cream recipe that she had and after some tweaking he was able to come up with his own version that he now uses in all his flavors.
His creations are unique, bearing names of several pop culture and Black-centered references. “Southern Hospitality, which is pecan pie ice cream with praline pecans and pecan pie pieces is one of our best flavors,” Cole said. For the month of April, Mikey’s shop featured a flavor called ‘Eat to Heal,’ a blueberry-hibiscus vegan option inspired by Dr. Sebi.
The flavors have been so popular that he was even asked to create custom flavors for celebs like JAY-Z and Hillary Clinton.
While the ice cream at Mikey’s is the selling point, it is not all the shop has to offer.
“While we work to grow our business, we will be launching our Mikey Likes It Ice Cream Academy. This is our not for profit program where we take at-risk youth and teach them how to obtain a food handlers certificate and be able to work in the food world. We will help them build character and then give them the opportunity to work in the business,” Cole explained.
“Whether it’s an ice cream maker, a flavor pilot, a graphic designer or anyone that has a passion the help the business grow, we want to help build others as they help us grow the business. This is what will help strengthen the each other and in turn strengthen the community.”
There are plans in the works to begin a nationwide shipping option. Until then, you can catch up with Mikey on his website or Instagram.
Related: Black-Owned Coffee Company Inspired By The Women in Rwanda
