News Summary
Mishmish, a new micro creamery in Baltimore, is gaining popularity through unique ice cream pop-up events. Operated by local couple Cedric Al Kazzi and Ross Hatton, Mishmish offers innovative flavors while emphasizing sustainability and community engagement. The couple draws on their diverse backgrounds to create flavors that reflect their culture, generating excitement in the Charles Village neighborhood. With a commitment to using local ingredients and compostable packaging, Mishmish is a wonderful addition to Baltimore’s culinary scene.
Baltimore Hosts Unique Ice Cream Pop-Up Created by Local Couple
In Baltimore, a new small-scale ice cream business is making waves in the Charles Village neighborhood. Mishmish, a micro creamery operated by a Baltimore-based couple, has been delighting customers through regular pop-up events, mainly near the Coffee Shop Bird in Hand. This innovative venture combines cultural influences, community involvement, and environmental consciousness to create a distinctive experience.
Background of the Founders
The creamery is owned and managed by Cedric Al Kazzi and Ross Hatton. Cedric, a full-time architect, moved from Beirut, Lebanon to the United States for graduate studies and has been living in Baltimore for the past 15 years. His background in architecture influences their approach to branding and product presentation. Ross Hatton works in health policy research full-time and has extensive experience in the food industry, including positions at fine dining establishments and the Culinary Institute of America. Their diverse backgrounds and shared love for hosting inspired the creation of Mishmish.
The Origin of Mishmish
The name Mishmish, meaning apricot in Arabic, was chosen after lengthy debates involving the couple. An additional inspiration was their dog, Misha, which influenced the branding as the word sounds cute and relevant. The couple’s goal was to craft an experience reminiscent of their style of home hosting, incorporating thoughtful branding and packaging to enhance customer engagement.
Pop-Up Events and Flavor Development
The first Mishmish pop-up took place on August 16, 2025, marking the beginning of their community-oriented venture. Preparing for each event involves extensive flavor research and development, from creating bases to baking components. They prioritize developing flavors they love and routinely seek feedback from friends to refine their products. Challenges include adapting popular dessert flavors into ice cream formats, leading to innovative offerings such as sweet corn and karak chai. These flavors reflect the cultural backgrounds and experiences of the couple, adding a unique touch to their menu.
Sustainability and Local Sourcing
Environmental sustainability is a priority for Mishmish. The couple uses compostable packaging and sources ingredients locally wherever possible to reduce transportation emissions. This approach aligns with their broader commitment to community support and environmental responsibility.
Community Ties and Popularity
The couple’s connection to Baltimore runs deep. They met and married in the city, receiving support from neighborhood co-op members. Their decision to pop up at Bird in Hand was influenced by their friendship with the owner and fond memories of their first date at the location. The community’s positive reception has helped Mishmish grow beyond casual events into a beloved local venture.
Future Plans and Growth
As Mishmish continues to grow, the couple plans to slow their pace to allow space for new flavor creation and community experiences. Future collaborations are anticipated with local restaurants and special events during the winter months. They also aim to develop signature items, including an ice cream sandwich that combines flavors of black sesame, vanilla, and apricot—representing both their tastes and their dog, Misha.
Summary
The Mishmish pop-up represents a fusion of cultural influences, environmental values, and community spirit, driven by a Baltimore couple’s passion for hosting and creating memorable experiences. Their ongoing efforts emphasize local sourcing, sustainability, and innovative flavor profiles, contributing to Baltimore’s vibrant culinary scene.
FAQs
- When did Mishmish have its first pop-up event? The first Mishmish pop-up took place on August 16, 2025.
- What does Mishmish mean? Mishmish means apricot in Arabic and was chosen because of its cute sound and relevance to their dog.
- What are some unique flavors offered by Mishmish? Unique flavors include sweet corn and karak chai, drawing from the couple’s backgrounds and experiences.
- How does Mishmish prioritize sustainability? They use compostable packaging and source ingredients locally to minimize transport and carbon emissions.
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Additional Resources
- Johns Hopkins News-Letter: Mishmish’s Ice Cream
- Wikipedia: Ice Cream
- Johns Hopkins News-Letter: Journey of Mishmish
- Google Search: Local Ice Cream Business Baltimore
- Johns Hopkins News-Letter: Community Engagement of Mishmish
- Google Scholar: Food Sustainability
- Johns Hopkins News-Letter: Native Flavors of Mishmish
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Apricot
Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER
BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.
