Ice cream shop donates scoops to clinical teams in the Texas Medical Center
Although restaurants are deemed “essential businesses” under Houston’s Stay Home, Work Safe order, April 3, 2020 will be the last day of operation for local artisan ice cream shop Flower & Cream for a while.
“I’m closing just for the safety of the staff so that nobody gets sick,” said owner Kevin Chang, who intends to remain shut down for the rest of the month. “Everyone’s healthy now and I’d like to keep it that way.”
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But before locking his doors on Holcombe Boulevard near the Texas Medical Center, Chang wanted to demonstrate his appreciation for the community that has supported Flower & Cream since its opening last summer. Those loyal customers include clinicians just down the street in the TMC working on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. He decided to express his gratitude in a language he knew well: ice cream.
Through social media, Chang announced that he wanted to provide some sweet relief to area hospital workers by donating treats.
The Instagram caption said: “Thank you to all the nurses, doctors and hospital staff that have been working around the clock. We hope our ice cream will bring a little cheer to your day!”
Orders flooded in. Soon, posts popped up on Instagram with photos of thankful health care workers wearing scrubs and masks with cups of ice cream. Chang estimates that he donated 1,300 scoops to TMC hospitals.
“They’re out there and it’s tough,” Chang said, referencing hospital professionals.
Since opening, Flower & Cream has been involved in TMC philanthropy. Chang regularly partners with Ronald McDonald House Houston through ice cream donations or fundraising opportunities.
Although business has been melting away as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Chang said he is in better shape than many restaurateurs. He’s hopeful that he can reopen in May.