Amplify Kalamazoo - Ribbon Cutting at KZoo Cream

Updated about 6 hours ago

Kalamazoo has a new sweet spot — and it’s serving up cookies with a little bit of magic. ✨ KZoo Cream officially opened its drive-through window on South Westnedge at Pioneer Street, transforming the former Taco Bob’s into a bakery that’s all about creating what owner Kristi Potts calls a “magical cookie experience.” At the ribbon cutting, community leaders — including Mayor David Anderson and Vice Mayor Jeanne Hess — joined neighbors and supporters to celebrate the launch of this woman-owned business. With help from Michigan Women Forward, Kristi is expanding her dream, starting out as the sole employee with plans to bring on local culinary students as the business grows. The grand opening wasn’t just about cookies (though Frosted Whispers, a fan favorite, made an appearance). It was about seeing how a small storefront can spark opportunity, creativity, and a new chapter for a local entrepreneur. 🎥 Watch the full ribbon cutting coverage to hear directly from Kristi and city leaders about what this new business means for Kalamazoo.

Chapters

Introduction and Opening Remarks (00:00:13)
The speaker introduces themselves and explains their role, sharing their excitement for supporting a friend's business opening.

The speaker, Director for Community Planning Economic Development, introduces themselves and expresses excitement about hosting the event due to a personal connection with the business owner.
Successful Business Collaboration (00:00:35)
The speaker recounts the successful collaboration and support provided for Christie's business, leading to a ribbon-cutting event.

The speaker describes how their department successfully collaborated with the business owner, Christie, to support her new venture, culminating in a ribbon-cutting ceremony after months of preparation.
Christie's Passion for Community (00:01:04)
Christie is praised for her dedication to serving the community, sharing her family's recipes through her new business.

The speaker highlights Christie's long-standing commitment to the community and her passion for sharing her mother's recipes, which inspired her to open Kazoo Cream.
Creating Smiles and Community Impact (00:01:24)
Kazoo Cream aims to bring joy and smiles to the community by offering delicious cookies and ice cream.

The speaker emphasizes the importance of bringing joy and smiles to the community, especially in challenging times, through Christie's new business, which offers cookies and ice cream.
A New Destination in the Vine Neighborhood (00:01:56)
Kazoo Cream is envisioned as a new destination for residents and visitors, enhancing the local neighborhood.

The speaker expresses hope that Kazoo Cream will become a popular destination for both locals and visitors, contributing positively to the Vine neighborhood's appeal.
Business Growth and Expansion Hopes (00:02:28)
The speaker expresses hopes for Kazoo Cream's growth, potentially expanding to more locations in the future.

The speaker shares their aspirations for Kazoo Cream to grow and expand beyond its current location, with potential for additional sites in the city and southwest Michigan.
Vice Mayor's Remarks (00:03:09)
Vice Mayor Jean Hess expresses excitement for the new business and acknowledges key supporters and officials present.

Vice Mayor Jean Hess welcomes attendees, acknowledges the presence of other officials, and expresses excitement for Kazoo Cream's opening, highlighting support from Michigan Women Forward.
Christie's Journey and Business Start (00:03:59)
Christie shares her journey from making cookies with her mom to starting her own successful business.

Christie recounts how her journey began in January, working with her mom to make cookies, and how it evolved into starting her own business after gaining popularity at local markets.
Finding the Perfect Location (00:05:03)
Christie describes how she found the perfect location for her business and her connection to the community.

Christie explains how she found the current location for Kazoo Cream through research and fell in love with the building and community, being a native of Kalamazoo committed to local development.
Community Involvement and Future Plans (00:06:08)
Christie discusses her plans to involve local students and expand her menu offerings based on community feedback.

Christie talks about her plans to involve culinary students in her business, expand her menu based on community desires, and her vision for Kazoo Cream as a community hub.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony (00:07:00)
The event concludes with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and hopes for future business support and growth.

The event concludes with preparations for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, involving city officials, and expresses hopes for continued support and growth of Kazoo Cream.