Shawn Michelle's Ice Cream Grand Opening

Shawn Michelle’s Old Fashioned Homemade Ice Cream is back and better than ever! The shop is now housed in a permanent location, anchoring the west end of the beautifully restored and renovated Rosenwald building on 47th Street in Chicago’s Bronzeville community.

​Shawn Michelle’s, owned by the husband and wife team of Yahya and Nataki Muhammad, had its grand opening on Saturday, March 30, 2019. The community support was overwhelming, and the place was full of high energy and anticipation about welcoming this new establishment. As I sat near the window, taking in all the excitement, the young people enjoyed the entertainment while anxiously waiting to partake in delicious ice cream treats. Others sat back and relaxed on the comfortable, tufted high-back couch while laughing and showing brother/sisterhood. The fun, colorful decoration alone is welcoming and makes this a delightful place to enjoy an incredibly delectable ice cream experience. Being there was reminiscent of my childhood, taking me back to the days when my mother would make special trips to the neighborhood ice cream place. When we saw the colorful sign painted outside the building, we would get so excited knowing we were in for a treat! ​(continued below)

Pat Dowell, the 3rd Ward Alderman, addressed the crowd about showing support for black businesses. “It’s important that we have African-American businesses in our community that we can see...We are going build Bronzeville by supporting businesses like Shawn Michelle’s Ice Cream.” Yahya Muhammad expressed his appreciation to Trez V. Pugh III, owner of Sip & Savor located on the east end of the Rosenwald building, for being very instrumental in helping to bring Shawn Michelle’s to the Bronzeville location. “To see this support really touches me,” said Trez. It is refreshing to witness our business leaders supporting and loving one another.

​I am looking forward to visiting these places, which are some of my long-time favorites, and spreading the word!

Visit Shawn Michelle’s and “Fall in Love Again” at 46 East 47th Street in Chicago.