Ice cream shops are often treated as indulgences. At The Charmery, they are something closer to a neighborhood anchor. Founded over a decade ago, the Baltimore-based shop has become known for its weekly rotating flavors, deep commitment to local collaboration and belief that ice cream can be a vehicle for art, memory and community. Co-founder David Alima traces The Charmery’s roots to a shared dream with his wife Laura: to open a business grounded in craft, curiosity and place. In an interview with The News-Letter, Alima reflects on how The Charmery began, how its flavors come to life and why staying true to Baltimore has always mattered.
The News-Letter: Could you tell me how The Charmery first started and how it has evolved over time?
David Alima: We opened about 12 years ago. My wife went to Cornell for hotel and restaurant hospitality and always wanted to open her own business. I fell in love with making ice cream, and that combination brought us to opening an ice cream shop…