Marmalade Moon, the whimsical ice cream, coffee and gift shop that became a Main Street favorite before closing earlier this year, is returning to downtown Ames.
Owners Ann‑Marie Widdowson and Graham Watkins announced the news Aug. 5, sharing that the business will reopen at 409 Douglas Ave., just around the corner from its original location.
“We’re excited to announce that we’re coming back downtown,” the owners wrote, adding that the new shop will feature the same made‑from‑scratch ice cream, fun gifts and drinks customers loved, plus “some exciting new additions.”
Marmalade Moon closed in March
The return marks a bright spot after the business announced in January that it was looking for a new location. Dog-Eared Books, which owns the building, is expanding into the former Marmalade site to meet its high demand for retail and event space.
Marmalade Moon closed its original store at 207 Main St. in March.
The shop initially opened just before Christmas 2021 and quickly became known for its exceptionally creamy house‑made ice cream, rotating seasonal flavors and playful retail corner. Customers praised everything from the vegan and dairy‑free options to the friendly staff and vast array of rotating flavors developed over time.
Creativity at the heart of this Ames business
Watkins and Widdowson, both originally from the United Kingdom, built Marmalade Moon with a focus on creativity. They restored the staircase, laid new floors, crafted custom counters and exposed original brick — a labor of love they reflected on when announcing the temporary closure.
Their ice cream menu became a downtown staple, offering 12 flavors at a time, including seasonal varieties like raspberry zin sorbet and red velvet with white chocolate chips. One of their most popular flavors, lemon butter biscuit, paid homage to their British roots.
Marmalade Moon also offered a full coffee bar, sandwiches, baked goods and a curated mix of puzzles, jewelry, games and home décor — items chosen specifically to bring something different to downtown Ames.
“We look for things that aren’t currently at other stores on Main Street,” Watkins said. “There’s no point competing — we try to bring something different.”
Looking ahead to a reopening in Ames
The Marmalade Moon owners say they’re beginning the rebuild at the new Douglas Avenue space and hope to welcome customers back soon, but no date has been announced.
“Your support means the world to us and our families,” the owners wrote in their announcement post.
For downtown Ames, the reopening brings back a beloved gathering spot — one built on creativity, community and a whole lot of delicious ice cream.
Ronna Faaborg covers business and the arts for the Ames Tribune. Reach her at rfaaborg@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Marmalade Moon ice cream shop returning to downtown Ames
Reporting by Ronna Faaborg, Ames Tribune / Ames Tribune
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By Ronna Faaborg, Ames Tribune | USA TODAY Network
