SOURIS, P.E.I. — For Rebecca Kozak, 27, arriving in Souris two years ago to start a career was the cherry on the top.
Kozak initially started working at the Inn at Bay Fortune as a chef after travelling the world, with stops in Australia; Whistler, B.C.; Banff, AB.
She got her culinary training at Niagara College in Ontario.
“Then I landed here (in Souris), fell in love with Souris, fell in love with fishermen and here we are,’’ Kozak said.
Then it happened. The idea of becoming an entrepreneur popped into her head. She wanted to go into business for herself.
She opened the Cherry on the Top Creamery on Main Street, inside the Artisans on Main building at 120 Main St.
“It was just an idea that got stuck in my head and wouldn’t let go. All last summer I was just talking about ice cream and making ice cream so I bought myself a little ice cream maker.’’
She started making the homemade ice cream for her friends and family but word quickly spread about how good it was.
Cream of the crop
- Some information about the new Souris business Cherry on the Top Creamery:
- Current flavours include cherry sorbet, caramel crunch, birthday cake, vanilla, salted caramel, cheesecake, peanut butter chocolate and brownie batter with more to come
- Located in the Artisans on Main building at 120 Main St. in Souris
- Call 902-215-0544
- On the web at cherryontopcreamery.com
- The shop also has a robust Facebook page
She started getting requests from the public so Kozak decided to start selling it by the pint in a corner office she had on Main Street.
That’s when the owners of Artisans on Main offered her a part of their space further up the road.
Kozak said everything in her shop is homemade, including the sprinkles, chocolate sauce, cookie dough and peanut butter cups.
“I have eggs and cream and start from there. I use Island-based ingredients as much as I can. I can’t get sugar but I use Island Gold Honey as much as I can and then I like to work with other producers so I’m going to be working with Maritime Marzipan and hopefully some others. I have Kettle Black Coffee that I’ll be infusing in some ice cream.’’
Other Island companies she’s working with include Prince Edward Island Sea Salt Company and Lady Bakers Tea.
Kozak said Cherry on the Top Creamery will take a chef’s approach to ice cream versus making ice cream for the sake of a cold treat.
Kozak is amazed how much Islanders love their ice cream.
“They’re willing to spend a bit more money for something that has quality because we have great dairy around here.’’
As of now, her flavours include cherry sorbet, caramel crunch, birthday cake, vanilla, salted caramel, cheesecake, peanut butter chocolate and brownie batter. More flavours will follow as Island produce, such as strawberries, come in season.
Kozak added that she will also offer vegan and dairy-free options.
