Brigham Young University has unveiled plans, and held a groundbreaking ceremony, for a new Creamery on Ninth building. The new facility will enhance and expand the iconic campus store. Construction will commence this month, with the new facility expected to open to the public in mid-2025 per the University’s website.
The new building will be located on the west side of the current Creamery’s parking lot and promises a significantly improved shopping experience. With over a 70 percent increase in retail space, the upgraded store will be better equipped to meet the evolving needs of the campus community.
“We are excited to partner with BYU on this significant project and appreciate the many team members who are helping with the project,” said Steve Miner, senior vice president of AFS and president of Market Development, Inc. “The new Creamery on Ninth will not only expand its offerings but also enhance the overall shopping experience for the campus community.”
The current location, visited by more than 1.3 million guests annually, has been the flagship store of the Creamery brand for over 20 years. The expansion aims to provide critical updates to continue serving students, faculty and visitors effectively. The new building will increase the Creamery’s size from 11,000 to 15,000 square feet, providing more space and better accommodating the beloved Creamery offerings such as their homemade ice cream and grill.
“This is a truly rewarding project,” said Erik Colvin, store engineering manager. “One of the major improvements with the new Creamery on Ninth is addressing the limited seating and combining grocery options with a full restaurant experience. We supply all the necessary equipment and refrigeration needs, as well as handling the design and we look forward to helping offer an improved shopping and dining experience for the community.”
Associated Food Stores plays a pivotal role in the development. The company’s support and expertise will help the new Creamery maintain the high standards and beloved traditions that have made it a staple of BYU’s campus life.
The decision to construct a new building rather than remodel the existing one was made after a thorough feasibility study, led by AFS, which highlighted the benefits of a new structure. “BYU is very thorough in their decision-making process,” said Jamie Stevenson, retail account manager. “The current facility was built in 1942 and needed significant improvements. Initially, a remodel was considered, but after further investigation, it was clear a new building was the best use of their investment.”
The Creamery is one of three full memberships AFS has with BYU and the company is also involved in the university’s culinary center on campus, supplying the Missionary Training Center and BYU central foods with some of their products. To minimize disruptions, the existing Creamery on Ninth will continue operations until the new store is ready. As construction progresses, updates will be provided to keep AFS retailers and team members informed about this exciting new development.