Denver, CO — A new ice cream shop in Denver is breaking away from the typical parlors that line the city’s streets, blending vibrant street culture with a unique menu and a focus on community engagement. Colfax and Cream, which opened its first location in May 2024, is quickly establishing itself as a fresh addition to the city’s growing ice cream scene.
Founder Tullie Bailey, who previously managed some of Denver’s busiest nightlife venues, envisioned a shop that would blend the energy of skate culture and the playful atmosphere of popular coffee chains like Dutch Brothers. “We wanted to create an environment that’s a cross between how fun Dutch Brothers is and Zumiez, or like a skate shop,” Bailey explained. “We wanted to mash those things together.”
Located at 1238 East Colfax Avenue, the shop sits amidst skate and tattoo businesses, offering a menu that goes beyond traditional ice cream. In addition to custom-made ice cream, Colfax and Cream serves a variety of beverages, including the Colfax Refresher, a caffeine-infused drink that can be tailored to individual tastes. The shop also features milkshakes, Venezuelan pastries from Ajillo’s Artisan, and Ethiopian-style burritos from Konjo.
The brand quickly expanded, opening a second location in October 2024 at 1100 Broadway, with a third set to open soon at 712 1/2 South Pearl Street. The shop has become known not only for its diverse menu but also for its eye-catching aesthetic, blending pop-art visuals with streetwear influences. In fact, a corner of the shop showcases T-shirts from various collaborations with graffiti artists, reflecting Bailey’s personal connection to street art.
Bailey’s entrepreneurial journey began in an unexpected way. After a career in nightlife management, which came to an abrupt halt due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he found himself looking for new ventures. “I was at home driving my daughter crazy, so I started working and doing random stuff,” he recalled. “One of the things is that I started managing an ice cream shop for Erica at High Point Creamery. When I got there, I really enjoyed the culture of it.”
When the space formerly occupied by Ice Cream Riot — a shop that closed in December 2023 — became available, Bailey saw an opportunity to bring his vision to life. “When the opportunity presented itself, we kind of jumped in and started running,” he said.
Bailey, along with his wife Senait Eritrea and their team, aimed to create a space that blends the energy of nightlife spots with a wholesome, community-focused atmosphere. “We all love ice cream, we all love caffeine. Let’s use it as a vehicle to get together with some ideas,” Bailey said. The shop also emphasizes creating a welcoming, sober space for those who may not want to frequent bars or clubs. “We definitely wanted a sober place to hang out, you know, because not everyone wants to go to a club or to a bar and be surrounded by the scene that alcohol brings,” said Percie Powell, Colfax and Cream’s social media and marketing coordinator.
One of the standout features of Colfax and Cream is its customizable drinks. The Colfax Refresher is made using a house-made syrup with green coffee extract and amino acids, providing a clean energy boost without the crash or headaches commonly associated with traditional energy drinks. Customers can customize everything from caffeine levels to flavor options, which include mango, guava, peach, pineapple, and more. The shop also offers a wide range of toppings, such as freeze-dried fruit and popping boba.
Colfax and Cream’s commitment to community outreach sets it apart from traditional ice cream shops. The business frequently hosts pop-up events, including game nights, live DJ performances, and vendor markets. It also partners with several local nonprofits, such as Network Coffee House, which serves the homeless, and Rainbow Alley, a center supporting LGBTQ+ youth and community members.
One recent initiative saw the shop collaborate with young people between the ages of ten and seventeen to create new drink recipes. “We did a whole marketing plan to show them, and they created drinks,” Eritrea explained. “The best drink was featured on our menu for a week.”
As Colfax and Cream expands its footprint across Denver, Bailey remains committed to creating spaces that reflect his personal interests and resonate with a diverse clientele. “It should reflect what your interests are,” he said. “Whether it’s hamburgers or ice cream, you can display your cultural interests in it.”
For Bailey, the success of Colfax and Cream lies not only in offering unique products but also in fostering a space where creativity and community thrive.
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