A few months ago, we featured GQ Creamery in our magazine, highlighting their unique approach to serving ice cream. Since then, the business has seen remarkable growth – now located at Black Impala Tshisanyama, transforming what was initially a temporary setup into a thriving enterprise. We had the opportunity to sit down with the founder Thando Volontiya, to discuss their journey, challenges, and exciting new developments.
"Our business took this move as a temporary step to kickstart our journey," the founder shared, "but it turned around into blossoming greater than expected within a short space of time." The initial reaction from the community was skeptical. After all, ice cream at a place known for alcoholic beverages seemed like a mismatch. However, the team at GQ Creamery remained persistent, working tirelessly to demonstrate that ice cream has a place in every setting, whether for those who drink or not.
"I always say this to everyone: ice cream tastes better in winter," the founder laughed. "There is no better time than winter to sell ice cream as it has that body-warming effect once consumed, which is what's needed in these cold winters." This unconventional wisdom proved to be true. The winter months saw a steady stream of customers seeking that comforting warmth only a delicious scoop of ice cream could provide.
In response to growing demand, GQ Creamery introduced espresso coffee to their offerings. "This addition brought us even more attention since we are serving freshly brewed coffee," the founder explained. The combination of ice cream and coffee turned out to be a winning formula, attracting a broader audience and boosting sales.
The success of GQ Creamery has not gone unnoticed, and they are keen on future collaborations. "In the business landscape, we wish to collaborate more with Ola Magnum, Parmalat, etc. These companies produce 90% of all raw ice cream materials and milk used for espresso coffee," the founder noted. Such partnerships could propel GQ Creamery to new heights, enabling them to enhance their product offerings further.
Speaking of new products, GQ Creamery has expanded its menu to include bubble waffles, ice cream sandwiches, and the all-new Magnum Umgowo. "Yes, we have a few new introductions in our product range," the founder said with pride. Each new item has been met with enthusiasm, adding to the diverse and exciting menu that GQ Creamery offers.
The expansion to a full-range shop inside Black Impala Tshisanyama has also led to job creation. "We have managed to create jobs for two people who can now support their households and families," the founder shared. This impact on the local community is a testament to GQ Creamery's commitment to growth and support.
GQ Creamery's dedication to quality and innovation is evident in everything they do. "We strive to keep our standards at the top by creating the ultimate ice cream delicacies that leave your mouth watering every time," the founder emphasized. "We give our clients the experience of having TikTok videos of ice cream delicacies at the tip of their fingers."
Looking ahead, GQ Creamery has ambitious plans for expansion. "We are looking to expand our shop and open another branch in Summerstrand in due time," the founder revealed. "We are also looking to open a standalone fully operated ice cream deluxe store in the future."
The journey of GQ Creamery is a remarkable story of perseverance, innovation, and community engagement. As they continue to grow and delight customers with their delectable offerings, we can't wait to see what the future holds for this inspiring business.