One of Fresno County’s best build-your-own sweet treats is just steps from Fresno State. If you’re here for a campus tour, want to cool down on game day, or road-tripping across California, CREAM Nation is worth the stop. This ice cream sandwich shop has become a local favorite post-Fresno State football games. You pick the cookies, the ice cream, and yes, even the toppings. They’ve got gluten-free ice cream options and vegan sorbet too, so everyone in the car can get in on the fun.
We caught up with the shop owners to find out what makes their Fresno County location one to remember.

Vegan Sorbet at Cream Nation

Tell us the story of how you came to own an ice cream shop?

My husband, Gurvinder, and I have been immersed in the food industry for the past four years, previously owning the food truck Twisted Bowls. When our infant daughter faced health challenges, we pivoted from our original life plan to ensure we could be more present for our beloved little Madi girl, ultimately leading us to establish CREAM.

What do you love most about owning CREAM?

What brings me the greatest joy is the ability to bring our children to work with us. Managing the food truck was often too intense due to the heat, but now, they love coming to the shop and spending time with us.

What does a typical day look like for you at CREAM?

A typical day begins with an inventory check, baking fresh cookies, and restocking ice cream flavors as needed. We provide a consultation for all of our customers to make sure they get the best possible option based on their own tastes. During quieter moments, our entire staff follows a strict list of tasks to make sure everything is clean and sanitary, after which we close up shop and get ready to do it again the next day!

What sets CREAM apart?

While our menu is comprehensive, it’s consistent and delicious. Our ice creams never change, so you know you’ll be able to get what you love. Since our menu is consistent, we always have the ice cream you’re looking for in stock. Our customer service standards are as high as our product quality standards:  top notch!

Favorite flavors:

Currently, our team favorite is the Cup of Joe, drizzled with plenty of chocolate sauce and a generous topping of Oreo crumbles—it’s a flavor you won’t want to miss. We strive to introduce new flavors quarterly to keep things exciting and once a month, we create a team specialty. These unique flavor combinations are highlighted in the shop for our customers.

CREAM nation

Do you offer any special promotions you want our readers to know about?

Yes! We host fundraiser events regularly at our shop, collaborating with Fresno State Greek life, high schools, middle schools, elementary schools, and various nonprofits. The flexibility to conduct fundraisers either at our location or at yours is a highlight. Additionally, don’t miss our Happy Hour, available Monday through Thursday from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, when you can get a scoop upgrade!  If you buy one scoop, we’ll give you an extra one at no charge.  Getting a double scoop?  We upgrade it to a triple scoop.

What’s one of the most popular items on your menu? Why do you think it sells so well?

I’d highlight our Dubai chocolate sundae as a top seller, served with two scoops of ice cream, hot fudge, whip cream, peanuts, and a cherry, complemented by our Dubai chocolate bar made with Belgian chocolate, phyllo dough, and pistachio cream—free of preservatives and 100% pistachio cream. It sells so well because there’s such a high quality behind the creation.

How important is community involvement to your business, and what do you do to engage with the local community?

Community involvement is paramount to our mission. We actively forge partnerships with Fresno State, Hoover High School, and local neighborhood apartments. Collaborating with Hoover, we’ve established internships to provide students with hands-on work experience. We’ve also hosted fundraiser nights for Fresno State Greek life and Hoover High, as well as initiatives for the Clovis Unified School District.

What’s an interesting fact about ice cream that people would be surprised to know?

Ice cream is categorized into four quality levels by the FDA, based on butter fat percentages and ingredients. The highest tier, super premium ice cream, boasts butter fat content above 14%, translating to a creamier, more delectable experience. We take pride in being a super premium ice cream provider!

When you’re not working, what do you like to do for fun?

In my downtime, I cherish hanging out with our four lively children; their activities keep us busy and happy!

cream nation

 

Want more Ice Cream Spots to go add to your Fresno County Bucket List? Check out our Sweet Tooth Tour!

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