North Pole Creamery expands in downtown Milford

North Pole Creamery in downtown Milford has grown from a small seasonal stand in the Santa House to a full-service ice cream shop on South Walnut Street. (Photo courtesy of North Pole Creamery.)

What began as a simple idea inspired by a quiet downtown building has grown into a steadily expanding small business in the heart of Milford.

In 2010, after reconnecting with his high school sweetheart, Marcia Reed, David Pickrell discovered downtown Milford. The couple purchased a historic building at 8 South Walnut Street, where Reed opened Gallery 37, a fine arts gallery that would become a fixture in the area.

Living above the gallery, Pickrell said they often found themselves looking out across the street at the small red Santa House, a structure that sat largely unused for most of the year except during the holiday season.

Night after night, the couple discussed what the space could become.

“What about an ice cream shop?”

At the time, Pickrell was involved with Downtown Milford Inc., the city’s Main Street organization, and saw the idea as an opportunity to bring more activity to the downtown area. He said the goal was not just to open a seasonal business, but to help increase foot traffic and support nearby shops.

After presenting the concept, the organization agreed to move forward with the idea. Pickrell partnered with King’s Homemade Ice Cream in Milton, and in 2018, the Santa House opened as an ice cream stand.

The initial effort showed promise, but challenges followed. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted operations, and by the end of the season, King’s stepped away from the venture.

Pickrell chose to continue.

In 2020, he launched North Pole Creamery, leaning into the building’s holiday identity. The concept was intentionally simple, offering a small selection of hand-dipped ice cream flavors served in cups or cones, with outdoor seating depending on the weather.

“It wasn’t fancy,” Pickrell recalled, “but it was a start.”

Over the next four seasons, the business developed a consistent customer base. As demand grew, Pickrell said customers began asking for longer hours and more options.

In June 2025, North Pole Creamery relocated across the street to a larger, permanent space at 10 South Walnut Street. The move allowed the business to expand into a full-service ice cream parlor with indoor seating.

The menu has since grown to include a wider variety of offerings, including traditional ice cream selections, banana splits and hot dogs, along with specialty items such as the Brooklyn Egg Cream.

Despite the expansion, Pickrell said the business has maintained its focus on local partnerships. Much of the ice cream continues to come from King’s Homemade Ice Cream.

The process of growing the business came with logistical hurdles, including navigating state and local requirements.

“It didn’t come easy—or cheaply,” he said. “But navigating the requirements of the State, City, and Fire Marshal offices was actually manageable if you approach it with the right attitude.”

Pickrell said the first year in the new location brought increased visibility, with both local residents and out-of-town visitors stopping in. Some customers discovered the shop while attending events at the Delaware Turf complex or traveling to nearby beach destinations.

“They had great things to say not just about our shop, but about historic downtown Milford,” Pickrell said.

Now entering its sixth season, North Pole Creamery is preparing to reopen April 3, with additional menu items planned. These include expanded frozen yogurt options, dairy-free and sugar-free selections, and customizable ice cream sandwiches.

Pickrell said the goal is to continue building on the shop’s growth while maintaining its connection to the community.

From its beginnings in a small seasonal building to its current location, the business reflects ongoing efforts to bring new activity to downtown Milford.

North Pole Creamery is scheduled to operate Thursday through Sunday from 2 to 8 p.m. through May, with expanded hours expected during the summer season.