California's handcrafted ice cream shop opens first Reno location

A New Addition to Reno’s Ice Cream Scene

Reno has welcomed another exciting addition to its ever-growing ice cream scene. The California-based Little Truckee Ice Creamery recently opened its first location in the city at the McQueen Crossings shopping center on Robb Drive. This new store officially launched in August, marking a significant milestone for the brand.

Founded in 2017, Little Truckee Ice Creamery is known for its small-batch, handcrafted ice cream. The company began as a modest scoop shop and production kitchen located on the west end of Donner Lake. Its founder, Kenny Blum, had previously built two successful businesses in the outdoor adventure guide industry. He saw an opportunity to bring premium ice cream to the Truckee-North Tahoe area, which led to the creation of the brand.

Over the years, Little Truckee Ice Creamery has expanded its presence. It now operates two year-round stores in Donner Lake and Reno, along with two seasonal trailers located in downtown Truckee and Tahoe City. Blum had always envisioned opening a location in Reno, but his focus was initially on managing the Donner Lake store and the seasonal trailers. That changed when Rob Flesher, Blum’s business partner for the Reno location, stepped in to help bring the idea to life.

Flesher, who spent nearly 30 years in the outdoor industry, was looking for a new challenge when he joined the project. “After almost 30 years in the outdoor industry, I’m excited to take on the challenges of a small business and work in the very fun business of ice cream,” he said.

A Wide Variety of Flavors

Little Truckee Ice Creamery currently offers 56 different flavors, including seasonal and limited-time options. The menu features traditional favorites like Cookies & Cream and Mint Chip, as well as unique creations developed by Blum. His passion for ice cream making led him to take a course in ice cream technology at the University of Guelph, where he learned the science behind crafting high-quality desserts.

Blum particularly enjoys experimenting with local ingredients. One of the most popular flavors, called Truckee Trails, includes pine nuts, which are native to the area. This flavor was created for a fundraiser organized by the Truckee Trails foundation and features pine nut brittle and brownie pieces.

In addition to its signature flavors, the shop also offers seasonal options such as Watermelon Sorbet and Persimmon. The most popular limited-rotation flavor is Blueberry Honey Lavender. For those looking for non-dairy alternatives, the shop provides organic coconut milk-based flavors and organic fruit sorbets.

A Growing Trend in Reno

Little Truckee Ice Creamery’s arrival in Reno is part of a trend that has seen several new ice cream shops open in the area. Recently, Fallon-based Country Creamery opened a new location in the Reno Experience District on the edge of Midtown. Last year, Ohio-based Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream also launched its first Reno store, drawing long lines of customers eager to try their products. In a similar move, Dairy Queen celebrated its return to Reno by offering free burgers for a year to the first 100 customers who lined up on its opening day.

What Sets Little Truckee Apart

Unlike many other ice cream shops, Little Truckee Ice Creamery prides itself on its local, family-owned roots and its commitment to making everything from scratch. This includes the cookies, candies, and sauces used in each batch of ice cream. According to Flesher, the Reno store has already seen strong business, with a steady flow of customers compared to the busy holiday rushes experienced at other locations.

“Everyone has been incredibly welcoming,” Flesher shared. “Even before we opened, we had customers knocking on the door asking when we would be opening.”

The new Reno location is not just another ice cream shop—it's a reflection of the community’s growing appreciation for quality, locally made treats. With its unique flavors and dedication to craftsmanship, Little Truckee Ice Creamery is quickly becoming a favorite among locals and visitors alike.