Two new sweet spots

Yumiis (pronounced YOU-meez) Ice Cream Shop has officially opened its doors at 205 E. Maple Road in Birmingham. The stylish new parlor is owned and operated by Dia Woods, who also designed the interior. With seating for about 20 guests, the shop features plush pink velour chairs and gold accents. Yumiis offers a menu of rolled and scooped ice cream, along with matcha beverages and fresh donuts. A standout item is the signature Nacho Ice Cream—a treat made with waffle chips for dipping into creamy ice cream. Woods, a Southfield native, left Michigan in 2014 to attend Georgia State University, where she first discovered the concept of rolled ice cream. Inspired by the idea and motivated by a sense of home, she returned to Michigan to launch her dream business in the heart of Birmingham. “There’s no place like home,” says Woods. Yumiis is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

SHOCK Gelato, a popular artisanal gelato brand founded in Buenos Aires in 2017, has opened its first U.S. location at 335 E. Maple Road, Birmingham. The company, which now operates 10 stores in Argentina, is known for its handcrafted, high-quality gelato made with authentic techniques and ingredients. The Birmingham gelateria is owned and operated by Ignacio Gerson, who also co-founded the acclaimed Detroit restaurant Barda, which gained national attention in 2022 as a James Beard Award finalist. Looking for a lifestyle that was less demanding than the restaurant business, Gerson eventually sold his stake in Barda and turned to a new opportunity—bringing SHOCK Gelato to the U.S. through a connection with his cousin, Luciano Barosio, the company’s co-founder. Gerson is passionate about SHOCK’s mission to deliver authentic, artisanal gelato, and is excited to introduce its rich flavors and craftsmanship to American customers for the first time. Shock uses local ingredients sourced in Michigan—not only guaranteeing a superior taste and freshness but also supporting the local economy. Shock’s menu also includes exquisite cakes and “masitas,” all created by pastry chef and gelato master, Barbara Lafage. Schock is open every day, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Business Matters for the Birmingham - Bloomfield area are reported by Gigi Nichols. Send items for consideration to GigiNichols@downtownpublications.com. Items should be received three weeks prior to publication.