The Tribune is highlighting small businesses around Cullman County during the COVID-19 pandemic. Know of one we should feature? Email christy@cullmantribune.com.
CULLMAN, Ala. – Cullman has some great options for beating the heat this summer. For those looking for something a little different, La Michoacanita has some delicious treats with a little Mexican flair. Owner Alejandra Espinoza opened her ice cream shop in 2018 and has homemade ice cream, popsicles, drinks and other snacks and treats.
Espinoza said she knew since she graduated from Susan Moore High School in Blount County that she wanted to start her own business.
“Michoacán is a state in Mexico and is known for having the best popsicles and ice cream,” she explained. “My mom worked in ice cream shops when she was in high school and until she graduated from college, and all her brothers have ice cream shops. It came up unexpected and I had always wanted a business but I didn’t know what kind of business I wanted but I knew I wanted to be self-employed.”
When the opportunity came about for her to start her ice cream shop, she was working for a dentist’s office in Cullman and said she wasn’t sure at first. But she took a chance, and with a little help and advice from family, she has perfected her creamy ice creams and delicious popsicles.
Running the colorful and happy ice cream shop is fun for Espinoza, and her young nephew definitely approves.
She smiled, “He’s 4, and he’s always asking if I am leaving. I say, ‘Yeah, I’m going to the ice cream shop.’ He’s like, ‘I want to go to the ice cream shop!’ Every time he gets in here, he is the happiest kid ever.”
This is the third summer La Michoacanita has been open for business. Espinoza said she had hoped to sell her ice cream and treats at the Strawberry Festival, but COVID-19 intervened. She was able to keep her store open during the shutdown, but said she hopes to bring her products to special events soon.
Some of the unique flavors La Michoacanita offers include: spicy mango, rompope c. pasas (eggnog with raisins), arroz con leche (rice pudding), tamarind, guava, mammee fruit, marzipan and many more. It also has a variety of drinks including Jamaica (Hibiscus flower) and Horchata (rice and cinnamon) as well as Crazy Doritos, Frito pies and tostados de ceviche (on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays).
La Michoacanita Ice Cream is located at 507 Main Ave. SW in Cullman across from the post office. It is open seven days a week from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. It also has catering options, including tubs of ice cream and discounts on large orders of popsicles.
To see a full menu, visit www.Lamichoacanita2018.wixsite.com/icecreamshop
or follow the shop on social media:
Instagram @Lamichoacanitaicecream
Facebook @La Michoacanita Ice Cream
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