A to Z Creamery Expands with New Soft-Serve Shop Opening in 2026

A to Z Creamery, known for its small-batch artisan ice cream, is set to open its first physical location at 705 Mainstreet in downtown Hopkins, Minnesota. The soft-serve shop, which is expected to launch in **spring 2026**, marks the company’s transition from online-only sales to a storefront with regular hours and an expanded menu featuring baked goods.

Zach Vraa, the founder of A to Z Creamery, began this venture with a second-hand ice cream maker, quickly gaining a loyal following for his unique flavors. Customers have described purchasing his ice cream as a “lottery win,” thanks to the limited batches produced. The new soft-serve concept introduces a different style of ice cream, which will present both challenges and opportunities.

According to Vraa, soft serve requires a different base to maintain a creamy texture while serving at a warmer temperature. He expressed confidence in their ability to deliver a high-quality product, stating, “We have a very good soft serve recipe. I’m pretty confident we can nail it.” The soft-serve machine will feature two flavors: a constant vanilla and a rotating wild card flavor, often inspired by seasonal ingredients. One of the planned combinations includes banana bread-flavored soft serve twisted with vanilla, accompanied by a slice of housemade banana bread and hot fudge.

As A to Z Creamery prepares for its new storefront, the company is simultaneously exploring delivery options through MN Food Club, an online grocery service that connects local farmers with consumers. Vraa described it as “kind of like a farmers market Schwann’s,” reflecting the company’s commitment to local sourcing.

In addition to A to Z Creamery’s expansion, several other notable developments are occurring in the local dining scene. The Lake Elmo City Council has approved plans for two new eateries in the city’s former fire station and parks building. The first, Tap & Ladder, will feature a self-pour beer wall and a casual atmosphere, while the second will be a location for Machete Cocina Mexicana, famous for its oversized “Quesadillota.”

Further diversifying the local food landscape, Olive & Lamb has opened a second location near the University of Minnesota, offering a menu that includes gyros and build-your-own bowls. Additionally, a new sushi restaurant called Sushi Box has debuted in Eden Prairie’s Asia Mall, promoting a sushi-by-weight concept that allows customers to pay for only the items they select.

Fans of deep-dish pizza can look forward to the arrival of Giordano’s at the Mall of America, set to open in **spring 2026**. This will be the Chicago-based chain’s second location in Minnesota, complementing its existing restaurant in Richfield.

In a different development, the North Loop’s Red Cow has reopened following renovations, featuring an updated design and expanded menu that includes new dishes and a broader selection of agave spirits.

As the community navigates these changes, Soberfish, a local Thai and sushi restaurant, announced it will close its doors on **November 14, 2023**, after **11 years** of service. The announcement expressed gratitude for the support it received throughout its operation.

Lastly, all four locations of Gina Maria’s pizza restaurants have closed after **50 years** in business, leaving a notable gap in Minnesota’s pizza landscape.

For those interested in updates on A to Z Creamery’s new shop, the company encourages following their Instagram account, @AtoZCreamery. This expansion signifies not only a new chapter for Vraa and his team but also contributes to the evolving dining options available in the region.