From Humble Beginnings to Regional Favorite (Image Credits: Pexels)
St. Louis – A beloved local ice cream maker has attracted significant outside capital after years of bootstrapping. Clementine’s Ice Cream announced a $6 million investment led by New York-based Next Phase Capital, marking its first major external funding round. The infusion aims to propel the brand beyond its regional roots toward a nationwide presence through franchising and expanded distribution.[1][2]
From Humble Beginnings to Regional Favorite
Tamara Keefe launched Clementine’s Ice Cream in 2014 after leaving a corporate marketing role. She invested her life savings to open the first shop, where long lines quickly formed for the handcrafted treats. Over the next decade, the company expanded without outside help, reinvesting profits to build a loyal following across the Midwest.[2]
The brand now operates 11 parlors in Missouri, Arkansas, Illinois, and Kansas. Recent additions include a location on Walmart’s headquarters campus in Bentonville, Arkansas, which has seen strong early performance. Keefe defined regional growth as sites within a six- to eight-hour drive from St. Louis, a strategy that has sustained steady progress.[3]
Key Investment to Accelerate Franchising
Next Phase Capital, founded by Shelly Sun Berkowitz, spearheaded the $6 million round, with participation from investor Kristen Denzer of Tierra Encantada. This capital ends a nearly ten-year period of self-funding and positions Clementine’s for broader scalability. The funds will launch a franchising program in the second quarter of 2026.[1][2]
Shelly Sun Berkowitz praised the partnership, stating, “I’m thrilled to partner with Tamara and invest in Clementine’s, what I truly believe is the best ice cream I’ve ever tasted.” Tamara Keefe responded, “I believe the world truly needs our ice cream. Shelly’s support… is especially meaningful.” The investment supports production upgrades at the company’s 25,000-square-foot FDA-certified facility in north St. Louis, which holds capacity for up to 50 parlors.
Innovations That Set It Apart
Clementine’s distinguishes itself as one of the few U.S. micro-creameries, pioneering dairy-free ice cream production at scale. The brand offers “naughty” alcohol-infused flavors alongside clean, all-natural options, with its entire signature line now kosher-certified. Standouts include the Gooey Butter Cake flavor, featured on Oprah Magazine’s “O List.”[2][3]
Flavor collections draw from cultural milestones, such as the recent 100-Acre Wood series celebrating Winnie-the-Pooh’s centennial:
- Silly Old Bear: golden amber honey in sweet cream
- What Tiggers Love Best: non-dairy malted coconut with chocolate flecks
- Eeyore’s Birthday: vanilla birthday cake with cake crumbles and rainbow sprinkles
- Piglet’s Red Balloon: bright strawberry
Upcoming releases feature Route 66 themes and a Holiday Cookie Exchange collection. Keefe noted, “One of our goals is to create fun, interesting experiences by meeting people where they are.”[3]
Retail Push and Future Horizons
Beyond parlors, Clementine’s entered consumer packaged goods with an exclusive deal to stock seven top flavors in 30 Schnucks stores. The company added two propane-powered delivery trucks to handle rising demand. New sites are planned in Columbia, Missouri, this spring, additional Kansas City spots later this year, and Creve Coeur in 2027.[3]
A vertically integrated supply chain will provide franchisees with pre-made bases and inclusions, sharing co-pack margins for better profitability. Grocery and e-commerce channels will also expand, preserving the small-batch quality amid growth. The facility’s scalability supports 50 to 100 parlors without compromising artisanal standards.
Key Takeaways
- $6M funding enables Q2 2026 franchising launch and production boosts.
- 11 current locations, with more regional openings imminent.
- Pioneering dairy-free and themed flavors drive national appeal.
Clementine’s Ice Cream exemplifies how founder-driven innovation and strategic capital can transform a local treat into a potential national staple. As franchising ramps up, the brand’s commitment to community impact and living-wage jobs remains central. What flavors would you want to see in a Clementine’s near you? Share in the comments.
