Sweet Success: The Inspiring Journey of Seaside Creamery

Just weeks after celebrating their son’s first birthday, Ismael Bermudez and his partner have transformed a quaint shop at the intersection of Palo Verde Avenue and Atherton Street into a thriving ice cream haven. Seaside Creamery has quickly become a community favorite, thanks to a mix of hard work, passion, and unique flavors that keep customers coming back for more.

The Road to Creamery: Hard Work & Late Nights

Opening in March, Bermudez spent the initial two months tirelessly experimenting with flavors, often working until the early hours of the morning. His dedication has paid off, as the shop now features an impressive lineup of 15 scratch-made ice cream flavors, all crafted using custard as the base ingredient.

What Makes Frozen Custard Special?

Frozen custard isn’t your typical ice cream. This richer variety includes egg yolks, cream, and sweeteners, lending it a unique texture and flavor that's particularly beloved on the East Coast but gaining traction in California. Bermudez emphasizes that this custard-driven approach is key to the shop’s identity.

Must-Try Flavor Combinations

For those venturing into Seaside Creamery for the first time, a $6 split scoop or a $13.50 flight offers a delightful introduction to their flavor offerings. Recent highlights include:

• Matcha Horchata - A blend of traditional horchata with a matcha twist.
• Lemon Lavender - A refreshing floral and citrus combination.
• Vietnamese Coffee - A robust coffee flavor that packs a punch.
• Fluffernutter - A nostalgic mix of peanut butter, marshmallow, and Nutter Butter crumbles.
• Carnival Crunch - Featuring crumbled Circus Animal Cookies for that fairground feel.

From Dreams to Reality

Bermudez’s passion for custard was ignited during his 19-year tenure with King’s Seafood Company. His life took a turn when he met his partner, who would eventually become his co-owner, through an online dating app. Together, they developed their business plan in 2021, which was part of an MBA project at the University of California, Irvine. The couple’s ambition didn’t stop there; they tested flavors against those of potential competitors to refine their offerings.

A Community Endeavor

Today, Seaside Creamery employs five students from California State University, Long Beach, who often walk over to work. Bermudez shares, “The community here is incredibly supportive. Everyone loves local businesses, and that’s why we chose to open ours in Long Beach.”

Innovative Collaborations & Future Plans

One of the latest highlights at the creamery is a collaborative flavor with the popular coffee shop, CoffeeDrunk. They have successfully blended the flavors of their signature drink into a delicious ice cream that is flying off the shelves. This flavor will soon feature in affogatos at CoffeeDrunk, a delightful Italian dessert made with a scoop of gelato topped with hot espresso.

Additionally, Bermudez plans to introduce a catering cart and stuffed conchas, a type of Mexican sweet bread, aiming for a fall launch. However, sourcing the right bakery to supply durable conchas has proven to be a challenge.

Balancing Work and Family Life

As business owners, the couple enjoys the flexibility that comes with it. They’ve adjusted their hours to ensure one parent is always present with their son. “We purposely open at 2 p.m. not just for business, but so I can spend that time with my baby,” Bermudez explains.

Seaside Creamery welcomes guests from 2 to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from noon to 9 p.m. Friday through Sunday. It’s not just a place for ice cream; it’s a testament to the power of hard work and community spirit.

What do you think?

• Would you try unique ice cream flavors like Matcha Horchata or Fluffernutter?
• How important is it for you to support local businesses in your community?
• Do you believe frozen custard is superior to traditional ice cream?
• What are your