Robb and Sarah Zimmerman were dedicated vegetarians since they were in high school βΜύthen they took the next step and became vegans.
When it came time for their son Henryβs third birthday in June 2014, he wanted a superhero party. They decided to make his favorite ice cream, Superman, with its flashy red, yellow, and blue colors.
Little did they know that the birthday treat would lead to a career for the dedicated dad. βHenry likes to take some of the credit,β Robb jokes.
![](https://cdn.hourdetroit.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2018/06/Ice20Cream20Plant20Founders.jpg)
Robb, an engineer by trade, quit his day job not long after and established The Ice Cream Plant, offering more than 40 flavors. Theyβre all vegan as the word βplantβ suggests. The company is headquartered at Shed 5 in Detroitβs Eastern Market, but soon will move into its own space.
It is definitely not a hobby for the Zimmerman family, which also includes 4-year-old Anna.
Sarah, a physicianβs assistant, kept her job but spends free time working with the Ice Cream Plant staff, Deanna Bedoun, Joi Olden, and John Cates (none of whom are vegan, interestingly).
Through hours of research, Robb came up with not only the Superman recipe, but developed his own for such favorites as Darkest Dark Chocolate, Cinnamon, Volcano Salt Vanilla, and Maple Bourbon β pretty much the most popular of all. (Authorβs note: Iβm not a vegan, but I tasted four flavors of the ice cream and liked each one a lot.)
The product avoids the iciness that sometimes goes along with ice cream that doesnβt include milk or cream by substituting coconut milk. But not just any coconut milk. βWe use only organic coconut milk from Thailand, and not just because it is vegan,β Robb says. βWe are also allergy aware.β
You wonβt find nuts in any of the products, for instance, and they are gluten-free, as well.
The Ice Cream Plantβs products have gained a foothold in the metro area. They are available in restaurants and markets including Om CafΓ©, Chive Kitchen, Mad Hatter Bistro, Holiday Market, Western Market, and Plum Market, among others.
Visit for more information.
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