Grocer's Daughter Chocolate Gelato and Sweets Shop

For those of us living in or visiting the breathtaking beauty of Northern Michigan, especially near the stunning Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Grocer's Daughter Chocolate Gelato and Sweets Shop is an absolute must-stop. More than just an ice cream shop, this beloved establishment is an extension of the renowned Grocer's Daughter Chocolate, bringing their commitment to quality and ethical sourcing to a delightful array of frozen treats and confections. It’s a place where you can relax, indulge, and truly savor the flavors of carefully crafted sweets in a charming and welcoming environment.

What makes Grocer's Daughter Gelato and Sweets Shop so special for Michiganders is its dedication to providing a diverse and high-quality selection. Whether you're a fan of rich, creamy gelato, in search of refreshing dairy-free sorbet options, or simply looking for a beautifully made sweet treat, this shop has something to entice every palate. Its friendly atmosphere, complete with thoughtful amenities for families and a focus on clean, inviting spaces, ensures that every visit is a pleasant and memorable experience. For anyone making the trip up north, discovering this gelato shop is often a highlight, offering a perfect complement to a day spent exploring our state's natural wonders.

Grocer's Daughter Chocolate Gelato and Sweets Shop is conveniently located at 11600 S Lacore Rd, Empire, MI 49630, USA. This prime spot places it within the charming village of Empire, a gateway to the iconic Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and a beloved destination for Michiganders seeking natural beauty and quaint small-town charm.

For those of us traveling along Michigan's scenic M-22 or exploring the broader Traverse City area, Grocer's Daughter is an easily accessible stop. The location on South Lacore Road is just a short drive from the main routes, making it a natural detour for a sweet treat. Empire itself is a relatively small and navigable village, so finding parking and getting to the shop is generally straightforward. Its proximity to outdoor recreational areas like the Sleeping Bear Dunes means it’s a perfect place to refresh and recharge after a hike, a swim in Lake Michigan, or a day of sightseeing. The accessibility, combined with its reputation, makes it a popular and convenient stop for both local residents and visitors enjoying their time in Northern Michigan.

Grocer's Daughter Chocolate Gelato and Sweets Shop offers a delightful range of treats designed to cater to various preferences, building on the reputation of its renowned chocolate-making parent company. Here's a look at what you can find:

• Housemade Gelato: The shop specializes in crafting its own gelato, known for its rich, dense, and creamy texture. This offers a different experience from traditional ice cream, with a focus on intense flavors. Customers rave about the quality, with "Mint Chocolate" being a noted favorite.

• Sorbet (Dairy-Free Options): Understanding diverse dietary needs, Grocer's Daughter provides excellent dairy-free sorbet options. This is a significant highlight for those with allergies or preferences, ensuring everyone can enjoy a refreshing frozen treat. Reviews specifically mention three dairy-free sorbet flavors available, including dark chocolate and strawberry, making it a "gluten-free and vegan haven."

• Fresh-Baked Cookies: Beyond frozen desserts, the shop offers freshly baked cookies. Customers have highly praised these, with one reviewer calling a shared chocolate chip cookie "incredible" and "absolutely fantastic." These often include gluten-free options.

• Floats and Slushes: For those seeking refreshing beverages with a sweet twist, the shop also serves classic floats and slushes.

• Affogatos: A sophisticated pairing of hot espresso poured over gelato, perfect for coffee and dessert lovers alike.

• Artisanal Chocolates: While the Gelato and Sweets Shop is distinct, it's directly adjacent to the main Grocer's Daughter Chocolate Shop. This means visitors have easy access to their full range of ethically sourced, handcrafted chocolates, including unique candy bars, truffles, fudgsicles, chocolate-covered items, and drinking chocolates. The original chocolate shop offers "artisanal truffles, unique candy bars, and creamy gelato—all ethically sourced and crafted with love."

• Retail Section: The shop also features a "cute little section of clothing and toys," offering a bit of retail therapy alongside your sweet treat.

• Coffee/Espresso Bar: The main Grocer's Daughter Chocolate shop (next door) often incorporates their chocolate into coffee drinks, providing another layer of indulgence.

Grocer's Daughter Chocolate Gelato and Sweets Shop is more than just a place to grab dessert; it offers a full experience with several standout features that resonate with Michigan locals:

• High-Quality, Housemade Gelato: The emphasis on housemade gelato ensures a superior product. Unlike mass-produced ice cream, their gelato is crafted for a richer, denser, and more intensely flavored experience. The "Mint Chocolate" gelato has received particular acclaim, showcasing their commitment to delicious and memorable flavors.

• Excellent Dairy-Free and Vegan Options: A significant highlight is their dedication to inclusivity, offering a good variety of dairy-free sorbet flavors. This thoughtfulness ensures that individuals with dietary restrictions, including those seeking vegan or gluten-free options, can also enjoy a delicious treat without compromise. Reviewers have praised it as a "gluten-free haven."

• Friendly and Kind Staff: Customer reviews consistently praise the staff for being "very friendly and kind." This positive interaction significantly enhances the overall experience, making visitors feel welcome and valued. A warm reception always makes a good impression, especially in our close-knit Michigan communities.

• Comfortable Indoor and Outdoor Seating: The shop provides ample seating options, both inside and out. The outdoor area, with its "rocking chairs and outdoor games," creates a fun, relaxing, and inviting atmosphere, perfect for families or groups to unwind and enjoy their treats, particularly on beautiful Northern Michigan days. This extended space encourages lingering and enjoying the surroundings.

• Clean and Well-Maintained Facilities: Reviewers specifically mention that the "bathrooms were very clean" and the interiors are "spotless and beautiful." A commitment to cleanliness and a pleasant environment adds to the overall positive perception of the shop.

• Proximity to Renowned Chocolate Shop: Being directly adjacent to the main Grocer's Daughter Chocolate shop means visitors have the added benefit of easily exploring their range of ethically sourced, high-quality chocolates and confections. This dual offering provides an expanded treat experience.

• Ethical Sourcing Practices: Grocer's Daughter is well-known for its commitment to ethically sourcing its cacao. While primarily associated with the chocolate shop, this ethos extends to the entire brand, giving customers peace of mind about the origins of their delicious treats.

For Michiganders planning a delightful visit to Grocer's Daughter Chocolate Gelato and Sweets Shop in Empire, here's how you can get in touch:

Address: 11600 S Lacore Rd, Empire, MI 49630, USA

Phone: (231) 326-3030

The Gelato Shop generally operates from 12 PM to 8 PM daily, while the adjacent Chocolate Shop is open from 11 AM to 8 PM daily. It's always a good idea to call ahead, especially during off-peak seasons or to confirm specific hours, as schedules in Northern Michigan can sometimes vary. Their direct phone number provides a convenient way to get the most current information before you make your trip.

For anyone residing in or frequently visiting Michigan's beautiful northern Lower Peninsula, Grocer's Daughter Chocolate Gelato and Sweets Shop in Empire is more than just a place to grab a dessert—it's a valued community asset and a perfect embodiment of the quality experiences we seek out. Its suitability for locals stems from its combination of high-quality products, thoughtful amenities, and its deep connection to the regional charm.

Michiganders appreciate businesses that offer genuine value and a pleasant experience, and Grocer's Daughter delivers. The consistently praised housemade gelato, with its rich flavors and appealing texture, offers a premium treat that stands out. The availability of excellent dairy-free and vegan sorbet options is a significant draw, ensuring that dietary needs are not just accommodated, but celebrated, making it an inclusive spot for everyone in the family or group. This consideration for all patrons resonates strongly within our communities.

Furthermore, the shop's inviting atmosphere, complete with ample indoor and outdoor seating, including fun rocking chairs and games, creates a relaxing environment that encourages lingering and socializing. It’s a perfect spot for families to unwind after a day exploring the nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes, or for friends to catch up over a sweet treat. The friendly and kind staff add to the welcoming ambiance, making every visit a positive one. Coupled with the convenience of its location in Empire and the easy access to their world-class, ethically sourced chocolates next door, Grocer's Daughter Gelato and Sweets Shop truly encapsulates what locals look for: a high-quality, community-oriented establishment that enhances our experience of living in or visiting this beautiful part of Michigan.

Grocer's Daughter Chocolate Gelato and Sweets Shop

11600 S Lacore Rd, Empire, MI 49630, USA