Cherry Hill is getting a sweet new addition later this year as Ooty’s Homemade Ice Cream & Italian Ice prepares to open at Springdale Plaza, 1900 Greentree Road.
The woman-owned, family-operated business will bring a unique twist to the neighborhood ice cream shop, combining traditional homemade favorites with creative South Asian-inspired flavors and signature desserts unlike anything else currently available in the area.
Owners Dayana and her husband, Rooban, will take possession of the approximately 1,300-square-foot storefront this September, with interior construction and equipment installation beginning shortly after.
If all goes according to plan, Ooty’s is targeting a late Fall 2026 grand opening.
Everything about Ooty’s is centered around making desserts from scratch.
Guests can expect 100% homemade premium hard scoop ice cream, produced in-house in small batches using high-quality ingredients. Alongside the ice cream, the shop will also prepare fresh Italian water ice on-site, offering refreshing flavors throughout the year.
Beyond the traditional favorites, the menu will feature homemade premium hard scoop ice cream, fresh house-made Italian water ice, and soft serve ice cream. Guests can also look forward to milkshakes and customizable sundaes, as well as ice cream cakes, pies, pints, and quarts to take home.
For those with dietary preferences, vegan and dairy-free options, as well as sugar-free selections, will be available. Seasonal desserts will round out the offerings during the colder months.
Perhaps the most exciting addition to the menu will be Ooty Peaks, the shop’s signature dessert.
These eye-catching creations feature alternating layers of homemade hard scoop ice cream or Italian water ice combined with house-made drizzles, bakery pieces, crunchy toppings, and other sweet additions, all served in tall, clear cups designed to showcase every colorful layer.
It’s a dessert that’s as Instagram-worthy as it is indulgent.
While customers will find familiar favorites like vanilla, chocolate, mint chip, and other traditional flavors, Ooty’s also plans to introduce rotating artisanal flavors inspired by Dayana’s South Indian heritage.
Seasonal offerings may include flavors such as mango, kulfi with cardamom, rose, and other rotating South Asian-inspired creations.
The goal isn’t to replace the classics, but to allow customers to experience unique flavor combinations that celebrate Indian culinary traditions while remaining approachable for everyone.
This is Dayana’s first venture into the ice cream business. She is currently working as an early childhood education professional, but plans to transition into operating Ooty’s full-time once the shop opens.
The business is truly a family affair. Dayana oversees the vision and menu development and will manage day-to-day operations when the business opens, while her husband, Rooban, manages business development and project coordination. Together with their three children, the family hopes to create a welcoming neighborhood destination where guests of all ages can gather over homemade desserts.
The name Ooty’s carries special meaning for the family.
Ooty is a picturesque hill station located in the Nilgiri Mountains of Tamil Nadu, India, approximately two hours from Dayana’s hometown. Known for its cool mountain climate, scenic tea gardens, and especially its handmade chocolates and sweets, Ooty has long been a beloved destination in South India.
Today, Dayana and her family call Marlton home, but naming the business after Ooty serves as both a tribute to her heritage and an inspiration for the flavors she creates.
The shop aims to blend the nostalgia of a classic American neighborhood ice cream parlor with subtle influences from South Asian desserts and ingredients, creating something familiar yet refreshingly different for South Jersey.
Unlike many seasonal ice cream shops, Ooty’s will operate year-round.
During the fall and winter months, customers can still enjoy homemade ice cream alongside warm seasonal desserts, specialty treats, and custom cakes, ensuring there’s always a reason to stop by regardless of the weather.
Cherry Hill continues to attract an exciting mix of independently owned food businesses, and Ooty’s Homemade Ice Cream & Italian Ice will add something truly distinctive to the local dessert scene.
The combination of small-batch homemade ice cream, fresh Italian water ice, creative layered desserts, and globally inspired flavors gives the shop an identity that stands apart from traditional ice cream parlors. Add in a passionate family behind the concept and a commitment to serving guests year-round, and Ooty’s has all the ingredients to become a neighborhood favorite.
We’ll be keeping an eye on construction progress at Springdale Plaza and look forward to sharing more updates as Ooty’s moves closer to its anticipated late Fall 2026 opening.
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