Popular Wilkes County Ice Cream Parlor Makes Sweet Move To Martinez
The popular ice cream parlor, Kettle Creek Creamery, is making a move into Columbia County. The ice cream shop will host its Grand Opening this weekend at the new location. The address is 1030 West Lake Commons Drive, Suite 2, in Martinez. This is right beside the Furys Ferry Road entrance of the West Lake subdivision.
History Of Kettle Creek Creamery
Kettle Creek Creamery got its start in Wilkes County back in 2021. Their store opened up on the town square in Washington, Georgia, making homemade, hand-dipped sweets. It didn’t take long for the ice cream shop to gain popularity with its hometown feel and an array of unique ice cream flavors.
The original owner was David Braithwaite. While originally from England, Braithwaite moved to Augusta with his parents in 1967. Once he retired, he moved his family to a farm in Washington, Georgia. And in 2021, they opened Kettle Creek Creamery.
Unfortunately, Braithwaite passed away in 2022. But after his death, his family announced they would keep the business going. Based on their Facebook page, the location on the square changed its name to “Washington Creamery” back in October 2023. It appears to have changed ownership as well. The new location in Martinez is owned by Carolyn Braithwaite-Jordan.
In response to a Facebook comment, Kettle Creek Creamery replied with this: “Hello! We sold our Washington shop to the amazing Scott and Meg Barnum. They now own the Washington Creamery and make amazing homemade ice cream and baked goodies! We have greatly missed our friends and family in Washington, but we needed to relocate our business closer to home.”
As for the vision of Kettle Creek Creamery, owner Carolyn Braithwaite-Jordan shared this with us:
David Braithwaite wanted to provide a unique source of commerce in Washington, GA as he sought the ability to engage in community involvement through Kettle Creek Creamery. As that business grew, family discussions of opportunities to expand to Augusta, GA began.
One of the goals was to pursue a new mission to improve the quality of life for young adults on the autism spectrum through access to job opportunities and continued education in a trade or life skills. Kettle Creek Creamery hopes to create a path for people with disabilities to become more valued, accepted, and included in our community. This mission was inspired by the autistic son of the present owner.
Braithwaite-Jordan is a pharmacist by trade. And she found a passion for the chemistry of making ice cream and the opportunities to create flavors that would normally not be available for Washington, GA families. Having both children and husband involved in the new family business is a continued goal for the new Augusta location.
The ice cream parlor serves a wide variety of delicious, creamy, homemade ice cream flavors. In addition, you can also get milkshakes, sundaes, sorbet, and more.
Their products are characterized by homemade small-batch artisan ice cream. Small batches retain the freshness and flavor while handcrafted allows Kettle Creek the ability to create trending and unique flavors based on the season, local trends, and customer demand. They source fresh produce from local farms and merchants whenever possible. Their goal is to lower the amount of sugar, along with limiting or removing dyes and preservatives.
Kettle Creek Creamery In Martinez
While the new location in Martinez officially opens on March 16, 2024, the Grand Opening is scheduled for this weekend. On Saturday, they’ll be open from 12:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and on Sunday, they’ll be open 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Future Goals For KCC
Within the next 3-5 years, Kettle Creek Creamery wants to create an inclusive and safe work environment for young adults on the autism spectrum. The rate of unemployment and underemployment in adults with autism is very high. Carolyn and her husband, Ben, have a child who is on the spectrum, and this drives their passion. Their personal experience in working with young adults on the spectrum makes them the ideal candidate to initiate this type of inclusive work environment.
Top 10 Favorite Ice Cream Flavors
10. Neapolitan
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9. Caramel
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8. Mint Chocolate Chip
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7. Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
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6. Butter Pecan
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5. Chocolate Chip
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4. Strawberry
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3. Cookies and Cream
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2. Chocolate
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1. Vanilla
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