Share: 

The Mill Creamery now open in downtown Rehoboth Beach

Coffee Mill owners Mel Damascena, Bob Cartwright have wanted to do this for years
August 5, 2021

Story Location:
The Mill Creamery
127 Rehoboth Avenue
Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
United States

Businessmen Mel Damascena and Bob Cartwright have owned and operated The Coffee Mill in Rehoboth Beach for 30 years. That whole time, they’ve wanted to own an ice cream shop.

That goal recently became a reality when the two men opened The Mill Creamery directly across the brick walkway in The Shops at Rehoboth Mews.

Damascena said he and Cartwright, who also own BRASHhh on North First Street, had been eyeing the space, and when it became available, he said, “We were like, ‘Why not? We should do it.’ We always thought it would be a good complement to the Coffee Mill.”

A few months later, the ice cream shop was open. Damascena said the two businesses make good counterparts. Customers can come to the coffee shop in the morning, go do their thing during the day and then stop by for ice cream later, he said.

The shop offers 30 flavors of ice cream, and a few flavors each of Italian ice and sorbet. Damascena said in the future they’ll offer some baked sweets, but for now it’s all about the ice cream.

The Mill exclusively sells ice cream from Hopkins Farm Creamery. Damascena said he and Cartwright have always been involved with the local community, and it’s great to partner with such a popular local business.

Damascena and Cartwright had planned on opening by Memorial Day, but their start date got pushed to early July because, as with all other small business owners, there were delays in getting equipment.

“It’s OK. We love the end result, and that’s what is most important,” he said.

The Shops at Rehoboth Mews are a little off the beaten path, and Damascena said he likes that.

“It’s a little more secluded, where the ice cream can be enjoyed outside without all the rest of the noise. It’s a hidden secret,” said Damascena.

The Mill Creamery is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. For more information, go to the business’ Facebook and Instagram pages. Damascena the website, themillcreamery.com, will be up and running soon.

“We wanted to focus all the attention on our product first,” he said.

Subscribe to the CapeGazette.com Daily Newsletter