By Calvin Masten
The Ramspondents
High Point Creamery’s sign and iconic pink branding, photos by Calvin Masten
I scream, you scream, we all scream for unique ice cream.
On August 22, High Point Creamery opened its doors to the public. Fort Collins' most recent addition to an ever-growing line of ice cream parlors is located near the corner of South Shields and West Elizabeth, across from Fort Collins staples like Road 34 and Jim’s Wings.
Like many great ideas, High Point Creamery was born out of a passion to deliver good food with quality service. The people behind that passion are Erika Thomas and Chad Shutz, a husband-and-wife duo with a love for frozen treats.
Erika’s culinary experience and Chad’s background in business have led to four thriving stores in the Denver area, the first of which opened in 2014, as well as their ice cream food truck, Big Pinky. Big Pinky is a Colorado staple that has traveled from festivals to weddings to most towns on the Front Range.
When asked how he and his partner plan on adapting to a smaller, more community-based town like Fort Collins, Managing Partner Chad Shutz said that they are very excited to be in the new location.
“It’s such a vibrant, community-driven city that already values local craft and creativity, which fits perfectly with who we are,” Chad said. “College towns have great energy, and we can’t wait to be part of that.”
Chad also mentioned how ice cream played a large role in both his and his wife’s college experiences. He first learned about Ben & Jerry’s ice cream during his undergraduate studies at the University of North Carolina. He and Erika learned about Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams during his time as a graduate student at The Ohio State University, back when the brand only had stores in Columbus. Shutz points to these experiences as some of his inspiration for his and his wife’s “ice cream dreams.”
These dreams are reflected in the way that Erika and Chad run their business and how they make their flavors. High Point Creamery is known for its wild combination of flavors that make for a unique tasting experience. Fan favorites include Tin Cup Whiskey, Pistachio Brittle, and Brown Butter Pecan.
“Ideas come from everywhere...a great meal, a memory, travel, or sometimes just a craving that won’t go away. Erika is really in charge of those sorts of things, though, rather than me,” Chad said when asked about how High Point Creamery came up with their flavors. “...our customers absolutely shape what we do. We love hearing what people are excited about and seeing what flavors they come back for again and again.”
The couple hopes and plans to keep those people coming back again and again with a welcoming and warm environment. High Point Creamery aims to be a place where students and residents alike can stop by after class, for a date, or if they just need a pick-me-up.
“Most of all, they can expect to be treated like friends because that’s what we want to be in this community,” Chad said.
To learn more about High Point Creamery, check out their website at highpointcreamery.com, or visit them in person at 1208 W. Elizabeth St. Unit 120W.