Kids Eat Free Friday as Molly Moon’s Marks Its Columbia City Arrival

On June 2 at 3 p.m., Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream will open its new Columbia City scoop shop, the company’s eighth and furthest south. The outpost at 4822 Rainier Ave. S. will celebrate the occasion with free scoops for kids aged 12 and under until 5 p.m. on opening day.

Eater first reported on the southerly expansion in July 2016. Founder Molly Moon Neitzel decided to hold off on construction of the former Subway sandwich shop until January to avoid opening an ice cream shop in the fall.

In the interim, Neitzel didn’t let the space sit idle, though. She gutted the space then donated it to various causes, including pop-up businesses and charities like Families of Color Seattle.

“I have been excited about the prospect of having a shop in Columbia City for years and next week we’re opening with an amazing team in an incredible neighborhood,” said Neitzel. “From our collaborations with local artists to the all-glass open kitchen where our new neighbors and friends can watch us make every flavor and topping, the vibe of this shop is truly inviting and will give the community the full Molly Moon’s experience.”

The new shop is adorned with a Columbia City-inspired mural created by local artists Craig Cundiff and Ari Glass that features portraits of three well-known south Seattle residents and artists. There’s also an open kitchen and a tile wall that spells out Be Brave, one of the company’s five core values.