The birth of a business
After perfecting their gelato making skills, the Meyers turned their attention to the more practical matters of entrepreneurship, like a name for their fledgling business and a place for it to call home.
“We knew we wanted the name to have something to do with milk and honey,” Christie said. “Our youngest son, Jonah, raises bees, so honey had to be in there. We spent a lot of time staying up past our bedtime thinking about it, trying different combinations of words and working out what kind of name would help us create the atmosphere we wanted. Finally, it came to us. Honeycream.”
With the name settled and a business license and domain name procured, the Meyers set out to find the perfect home where their dream could flourish. They found it in one of the oldest buildings on Third Avenue.
“We saw the potential of the building, with its beautiful beams and towering windows,” Mike said. “We immediately wanted to pay homage to its past, and I knew Christie had a vision for what it could become. We wanted to do everything we could to bring back the historic character of the 1879 structure.”
The Meyers proceeded with renovations, taking out the tile floor and, much to their delight, discovering the original hardwood floor beneath. Months of painstaking work followed – installing new electrical, heating and cooling systems, purchasing specialized freezers and other equipment from Italy, finding just the right lighting, paint color, and cozy décor to not only revive the building but also to create a beautiful setting for customers to enjoy.
Finding – and making – community
The Meyers knew Rome was a special place from their first visit, but that truth came home to them as they worked to establish their new business.
“We quickly discovered that Rome is a close-knit community that takes care of its members,” Mike said. “From the beginning, local merchants all up and down Broad Street and along the side streets reached out, offering their support, encouragement, and even recommendations of local craftsmen to use for our renovations and products. Everyone’s been wonderful to help us realize our dream.”
A greater purpose
For the Meyers, their business is about more than a product, it’s about creating a special place for Romans to gather, relax, linger, talk, connect, and enjoy.
“We wanted to bring something special to Rome, a little taste of that European experience,” Mike said. “We hope Honeycream becomes a place where relationships can be built, where people can just embrace and enjoy the sweet life.”
If the comments and reviews on social media are any indicator, that hope has already been realized.
4 E 3rd Ave, Rome, Ga.
Open Thursday 11-9, Friday and Saturday 11- 11, and Sunday 12:30 – 5:30