CLIENT: Jill and Michael Kasle
LOCATION: Berkley MI
YEAR: 2022-2024
Bombshell Treat Bar’s first brick-and-mortar storefront in downtown Berkley, Michigan was designed to build on the brand’s successful Big Dipper mobile ice cream cart and pop-up operation. The local brand’s sweet shop offers a range of indulgent frozen treats, including signature chocolate-dipped ice cream bars, specialty ice cream cakes, and pints. With a menu designed for both kids and “kidults,” the vibrant store aims to provide a memorable experience for treat lovers of all ages.
McIntosh Poris Architects worked closely with the Bombshell Treat Bar team to bring their vision of a nostalgic yet modern treat shop to life, where creation of the brand’s treats would be on display as works of art. The result is a ‘bomb-and-shell’ scheme that blends traditional with contemporary design elements, providing guests with a dynamic experience and a whimsical aesthetic. The renovation of the 2,200-sf existing building merged two tenant spaces and added an exterior walk-in freezer. A small project with a big local impact, the project transformed a vacant storefront into a vibrant community hub, contributing to the lively, walkable Coolidge corridor in Berkley.
The architectural design expresses Bombshell Treat Bar’s brand with its white exterior and interior form as a backdrop to eye-catching pops of color and graphic details. Inside, a viewing window allows visitors to observe the chocolate-making process, enhancing their connection to the craftsmanship. The exterior was transformed with new cladding, large storefront windows, and scalloped red awnings to create a charming atmosphere, while a branded mural celebrates the community spirit.
