Date:  December 5, 2018  |   Photography: Matt Johnson  |  

Founded in 2011 by Sally Mengal, Little Rock’s Loblolly Creamery has grown steadily over the years. While its first residence was in The Green Corner Store on South Main Street, the brand soon opened an ice cream truck available for special events, and then, in 2017, set down some more permanent roots with the opening of a Scoop Shop at 1423 S. Main St. According to creative director Christen Byrd, that addition has allowed the brand to extend their hours, expand their flavor offerings (they have about 30 options available at any given time), serve coffee and beer, and even rent out a party room. “It’s allowed us to grow like crazy, and we love it,” Christen says.

Specialty hot cocoas on the Loblolly menu include turtle (pictured above), orange, Nutella, birthday cake, and honey lavender.

>> How They Got Their Name
The creamery’s name was inspired by the loblolly pine, the official state tree of Arkansas.

>> Holiday Treats Galore
Though best known for ice cream, Loblolly has expanded their menu over the years to include baked and seasonal goodies like macarons, cookies, brownies, and specialty hot cocoas, including the Turtle Hot Cocoa pictured above. They also sell homemade marshmallows that pair perfectly with those hot cocoas. “We push out so many marshmallows and hot cocoa bags during the cold months, you would not even believe,” Christen says.

For hours, menu, and more information, visit loblollycreamery.com.