The SLO Public Market has a new ice cream shop, Little Spoon Creamery, that's already making waves in the community. It's the brainchild of Kara Barker and Lee Ibarra, a couple who have been dating since 2017 and have a shared love for ice cream. Barker, with her background in merchandising and ice cream production, decided to make a career change and open her own shop. The result is a delightful ice cream experience that's all about the community and the joy of sharing moments with loved ones.
What sets Little Spoon Creamery apart is its focus on community and the unique flavors it offers. The shop currently has 16 different flavors, including classics like chocolate and strawberry, as well as more adventurous options like lavender yuzu and peanut butter oreo. A topping bar allows customers to customize their ice cream with a variety of toppings, from Oreo crumbles to sprinkles.
Barker's approach to ice cream is about more than just the sugar content. She's interested in marrying flavors that can pair and expand your palate. This is reflected in the shop's menu, which includes collaborations with other businesses in the Public Market, such as a JayBirds lemonade flavor and a flavor inspired by Sequel Tea. The shop also plans to make all its flavors in-house, with a large window revealing the ice cream churning process to customers behind the counter.
The shop's slogans, 'Where good days get better' and 'Made for moments', capture the essence of what Barker and Ibarra are trying to achieve. They want their ice cream to be a source of joy and comfort, whether it's a breakup or a celebration. The shop's grand opening was a celebration of this vision, with a bounce house, face painting, and ice cream scoops for everyone.
Little Spoon Creamery is open Tuesday to Thursday from 1 to 7:30 p.m. and Friday to Sunday from noon to 8 p.m. It's a must-visit for anyone looking for a unique ice cream experience in SLO. Barker and Ibarra's passion for the community and their love for ice cream have come together to create a shop that's all about sharing moments and creating memories.
