Everyone loves a good serving of ice cream, so it was no surprise when Trinidad-native Patrick Victor invited his Little Caribbean community for a free scoop of Mr. P’s Homemade Ice Cream in innovative tropical flavors that he says are made with love.
A line stretched along the sidewalk outside the colorful façade of 1397 Nostrand Avenue, Brooklyn, on Freedom Day, June 19. Several children, parents, and teens waited patiently for tickets in return for free Mr. P’s Homemade Ice Cream, packed with a delicious Caribbean taste, and Vegan Ice Cream Made with oat milk, agave, and natural flavors.
With the tagline, “Skip dinner and get straight to the pint,” Victor has, no doubt, used his charm and experience for the past three years to attract a steady flow of customers to the dainty, lively joint designed with vivid colors and a catchy motif.
The space captures the vibes and appeal of the Caribbean, with offerings like Soursop, Beet and Ginger, Cookie & Cream Coconut Ginger, Sea Moss, Sorrel Ginger, and Mauby, among other mouthwatering flavors.
Opened in 2022, the Trini credits his love and skill for making ice cream while living in his native twin Island State.
Utilizing his entrepreneurial experience after immigrating to New York, Victor, inspired by his wife to carry on the family tradition, first started selling the sweet treat from a pushcart in front of his residents.
This expanded to two more carts with the help of his sons, with whom he has a strong bond and a great work ethic.
“Having my sons around is a great feeling,” said the entrepreneur.
“Bringing the original flavors from Trinidad to Flatbush is one of my greatest joys, and to see the smiles on people’s faces when they taste the ice cream is wonderful.”
“Mr. P’s Homemade Ice Cream is the best in New York City. I started it 25 years ago in Trinidad. Making ice cream is something I love to do. Everything is made with love,” said Victor.
In addition to elderberry, a recently introduced flavor, customers could also purchase slices of rum cake, carrot cake, shakes, and other Caribbean treats from the establishment that also caters on a larger scale for special occasions.
The welcoming entrepreneur says he gets full support from the community but complains about the difficulty black business owners experience in receiving loans to create and build a successful business.
His goal, however, is to expand the Mr. P’s Homemade Ice Cream brand, in other parts of New York, hinting that he looks forward to market share, to reach more devoted ice-cream fans.
Running an ice cream shop in a city with seasons can be difficult in many ways: the high-volume summer season and the slower winter version. Yet, the business owner is confident that Mr. P’s Homemade Ice Cream was built to succeed, like the Ben & Jerry’s brand that sells all year round. He, too, is open to the public twelve months of the year.
New York City council member Rita Joseph, in whose District 40 Mr. P’s Homemade Ice Cream is located, is part of the Little Caribbean community; she was there to celebrate the business owner and praise the contributions made so she could also enjoy a sampling of Mr. P’s Homemade Ice Cream. She expressed the pride and vibrancy that nationals bring to the community.
“Mr. P’s Homemade Ice Cream has been a staple in the community for the past three years, and we want to make sure that we support small business owners.”
She observed the long line outside the shop and noted that she was happy the small business was getting the support it deserved.
“It’s important today as we celebrate Juneteenth that many came out to celebrate freedom. A lot of our ancestors did not get to celebrate this freedom,” said the politician, and acknowledged the community’s participation, noting how significant it is for young people to know the sacrifices “our ancestors made so they can be present here, said Joseph, adding.
“I’m always happy to be in the community, in my district. I just came back from the African burial ground in Manhattan to commemorate Juneteenth, so it’s an honor and a pleasure to be here. Mr. P’s Homemade Ice Cream calls a crowd because everyone likes sweets.
She inspired the immigrant “to hang in there. Call on my office for support, and continue to lead by example as you’ve done so many years before,” said Council Member Joseph.
