Gourmet ice cream shop chain expands to Tampa

TAMPA — Mayday Handcrafted Ice Creams, a St. Augustine-based company that has seven locations in Florida, is set to open its eighth store, this one in Tampa’s Ybor City district.

At 1600 E. Eighth Ave., the shop will host a grand opening celebration from 6-10 p.m. March 16.

According to a news release, guests who attend the grand opening will receive a free small sugar cone with one scoop of any flavor of ice cream. The Mayday menu features traditional flavors as well as original creations including Blueberry Toast Crunch, Almond Butter Chocolate and Coffee + Donuts.

“Ybor City was a natural fit because of the historic and eclectic mix of vintage shops, restaurants and boutiques,” Mayday owner and operator Stephen DiMare states in the release. “Offering handcrafted, artisan ice cream is just an extension of all of the cool stuff already going on in that neighborhood. Tampa is a fun city with a young, energetic population. We know that Mayday Handcrafted Ice Creams will quickly become woven into the fabric that is Ybor City.”

In addition to Tampa, Mayday operates ice cream shops in Jacksonville, Lakeland and St. Augustine.