Eiffel Waffle Creamery Set to Open in East Lansing: A Sweet Addition to the Local Treats Scene
In a delightful development for residents and students alike, the Eiffel Waffle Creamery, renowned for its unique bubble waffle ice cream cones, is set to open its first Michigan location in East Lansing by mid-November 2025. This exciting venture marks the franchise’s expansion beyond its Chicago roots, where it garnered significant attention and popularity for its innovative dessert offerings.
The idea for this new location originated from a family gathering in Chicago, where franchise owner Awais Ahmad was drawn to the creamery’s variety of flavors and distinctive offerings. “The Eiffel Waffle in Chicago wasn’t anything extraordinary initially, but once our group of about fifteen visited, the conversation quickly shifted from our day’s events to which ice cream we wanted to try,” Ahmad reminisced. This firsthand experience inspired him to explore the possibility of opening a franchise back in Michigan.
Following his interest, Ahmad was contacted by the owners of the Chicago-based shops with an enticing proposition: Would he consider launching a new outlet in Michigan? After initiating the franchise application process, which took nearly a year to finalize—entailing lease negotiations and the drafting of contracts—Ahmad is now ready to bring the beloved flavors of Eiffel Waffle to East Lansing.
Ahmad, who has previously worked at Michigan State University (MSU) and considers East Lansing his home, believes the creamery will not only provide a sweet alternative to the campus’s well-loved MSU Dairy Store but also create a welcoming environment for students. “While the MSU Dairy Store has its appeal, Eiffel Waffle will be conveniently located off-campus, offering students another avenue to indulge in their favorite ice cream,” he explained.
One defining feature of Eiffel Waffle Creamery is its commitment to crafting homemade ice cream at each location. Ahmad highlighted the importance of maintaining quality by producing ice cream on-site, eliminating the need to transport products from one store to another. This freshness promises to be a significant draw for customers seeking genuine taste and quality.
Operating alongside Ahmad will be Daniyal Nawaz, who is set to manage the day-to-day activities of the creamery. Nawaz comes with a background as a baker, having run her own cottage business, and is eager to embrace this new challenge. She envisions Eiffel Waffle Creamery as not just a place to grab a dessert but as a community hub where students can relax and unwind after a demanding day. “If they’ve had a stressful day, they can come here to enjoy dessert or celebrate their small victories,” Nawaz said, emphasizing the importance of creating a supportive atmosphere for the student body.
The creamery will accommodate approximately 50 patrons, featuring 11 tables and countertop seating designed to foster interaction among guests. Ahmad noted, “We specifically chose a location with a high volume of students. On game days, everyone is out enjoying food, and the one thing that was missing was ice cream. With our creamery, they will no longer need to trek all the way to campus for their MSU Dairy fix.”
With a product lineup that includes a variety of ice creams, signature bubble waffles, refreshing beverages, and innovative combinations of flavored items, the Eiffel Waffle Creamery aims to provide a feast for the senses. Ahmad also revealed plans for a “Flavor of the Month” feature, which will introduce unique and exciting flavors for a limited time. One such flavor in the works is the Dubai Chocolate, reflecting a growing trend in the dessert landscape.
In creating this new establishment, Ahmad and Nawaz are focused on fostering an inviting ambiance akin to a coffee shop where patrons can linger, socialize, and create memories, rather than simply rushing in for a quick treat. As Ahmad succinctly put it, “While we’re not a coffee shop, we seek to cultivate an environment where individuals want to come in, enjoy their ice cream, and stay awhile.”
The Eiffel Waffle Creamery will be conveniently situated in front of Insomnia Cookies at 115 Bailey St., creating another exciting destination for those with a sweet tooth in East Lansing.
As the city prepares for this new culinary venture, community members anticipate not only the delicious offerings but also the vibrant social space the creamery will create for students and residents alike. With its unique menu and welcoming atmosphere, Eiffel Waffle Creamery is set to become a beloved fixture within the East Lansing landscape.
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