Tell us about yourself and your business. 

My name is Mary and I am one of the owners of Diced Ice. We an ice cream shop, specializing in Thai rolled ice cream and South East Asian desserts.

What’s special about rolled ice cream?

Gosh so much – it’s fun, it’s customizable, and you see your ice cream made right in front of your very own eyes. It started in Thailand and got ever so popular in India and South East Asia. Because these climates are so hot, they had to get creative with their equipment. We dice and chop your ingredients to make your flavour on our machines which has a cold plate that can get up to -30 degrees.

Ice cream making is quite the skill, how did you get into it?

So this has been a year in the making! It all started when David, one of the owners tried rolled ice cream at a shop in Toronto and noticed that we didn’t have one in Hamilton. After trying to reach out to a few places for franchising and no luck we decided to start our own. It was all self taught so a lot of it was trial and error with many errors.

You’re located on Locke, what do you love about the neighbourhood?

We love the sense of community here on Locke – everyone has been so welcoming and introduced themselves. There’s lots of trendy shops with passionate owners with something for everyone here; shops and spaces for young families and inclusive spaces.

What’s your favourite flavour on the menu right now?

Gosh it changes everyday but we love the ones that represent us; The Tea which is Thai tea topped with grass jelly and condensed milk. The Ca Phe Sua Da which is Vietnamese coffee topped with grass jelly and sponge toffee. And the Mango Madness, which is bright and refreshing.

Besides your own place, where else do you like to eat in Hamilton? 

Where to choose? On Locke, Peruviano and Shuck Truck. Downtown Wass, The French and Afrolicious. Going a bit east, Mai Pai and further, Rony’s or Marias Tortas.

Any advice to small business owners wanting to open up shop in Hamilton?

Some days it will feel like two steps forward and one step back but keep pushing. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, there have been so many times we’ve reached out to folks in the industry and they’ve been more than willing to help or give advice. It’s been amazing.