AMHERST — A new Herrell’s Ice Cream location will soon be the latest addition to the Mill District — first as a pop-up shop before residing permanently early next year.
Herrell’s owner Judy Herrell told Reminder Publishing the business was considering expansion and once they came across an opportunity in the Mill District’s North Square, they knew it was exactly what they were looking for.
“We are thrilled about opening a pop-up location in The Mill District’s North Square in North Amherst because it has the mix of restaurant and retail,” said Herrell. “We expect it to be a delicious place to eat ice cream and frozen desserts of all kinds. Plus, a cool place to work and shop for all: puns intended.”
Herrell added the mix of businesses and options available in the Mill District made the decision a no brainer to join the Amherst family.
“The mix of traffic is really unique. You could actually get there in the morning and have breakfast at Futura [Coffee] and then it’ll take you an hour checking out the General Store alone. Go through the businesses there and then hangout for dinner and go somewhere like 3 Amigo’s. It was what we were looking for,” Herrell said.
The location was also appealing as the North Square is just a crosswalk away from Amherst’s Mill River Recreation Area, a short walk from Cherry Hill Golf Course and near the recently renovated North Amherst library.
Founded in 1980, Herrell’s boasts over 400 kosher flavors of Northampton unique artisan ice cream and No-Moo frozen desserts, using only locally sourced rBGH hormone free dairy and other locally sourced premium ingredients.
“We’re building out an impressive ice cream parlor between our beloved Carefree Cakery and Provisions fine food and spirits,” explained Cowls’ Real Estate Vice President Arthur Haskins. “In the meantime, Herrell’s popping-up in the former Graze Craze space between the General Store and The Closet, and Soulful Pet Studios at 83 Cowls Rd.”
The permanent location will be about 1500 square feet according to Herrell and will essentially match all the offerings from the Northampton location.
“The idea is we’ll have the pop up going for cones and cups and sundaes,” Herrell said. “We’ll plant the flag and what will happen is while we’re running that we’ll start to build.”
The Mill District is the 9th regeneration of North Amherst’s commercial center — just north of the University of Massachusetts and the historic intersection at the old North Amherst Church and library. The Mill District was created to invigorate community connections in the internet age by providing experiential retail, dining and fun for all ages. For up-to-date community and events information see themilldistrictna.com/events and @TheMillDistrictNA on social media.
“Keep your eye and taste buds sharp, because Herrell’s will open in a couple of weeks. See you there,” said Herrell.
