Photos: Cloud Cups\BlackBusiness.com
Galen Thomas, an African American entrepreneur and culinary artist, has opened Cloud Cups, the first and only Black-owned gelato shop in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A native of West Oak Lane with a passion for gelato, Galen’s shop promises a delightful experience with its diverse array of flavors and immersive atmosphere.
Cloud Cups boasts a spacious 2,000-square-foot venue, accommodating up to 50 customers. The shop features a cozy lounge area, a retail section, and an upcoming gelato-making workshop, according to Eater. Designed with a whimsical “cloud” aesthetic, the shop showcases dreamy floors by Raheem Spataccino and colorful murals by renowned graphic artist Justin Richburg.
For Thomas, who graduated from Frozen Dessert University and Carpigiani Gelato University, this marks a significant milestone in his five-year journey in the gelato industry. What started as a humble scoop truck has now become a flagship location, complete with tastings, events, and more.
