As the frost thaws and spring approaches, local ice cream aficionados have reason to celebrate as Clementine’s Homemade Ice Cream, owned by Warren and Jess Sternberg, gears up for its latest expansion. The Sternbergs, who have tirelessly nurtured their small business throughout the winter months, are set to unveil a new location in Portsmouth, adding to their existing establishments in East Greenwich and Middletown.
Named after the couple’s cherished chocolate lab, Clementine’s first opened its doors in East Greenwich in 2017. The East Greenwich branch is scheduled to reopen on March 15th at 1 p.m., offering patrons a delicious start to the season. In 2020, the Sternbergs expanded their dream to Middletown, and this year, they’re putting the finishing touches on an expansion within the Wave Street Avenue building. Warren Sternberg anticipates a possible opening weekend of March 22nd for the Middletown location, with updates available on their social media platforms or website in case of construction delays.
However, the spotlight of excitement shines brightest on the brand-new location in Portsmouth, nestled in the Fieldstone’s plaza at 1016 East Main Road. Taking over the space formerly occupied by Milk & Honey cheese shop, Clementine’s promises a delectable experience for eager customers. While construction wraps up and staff hiring and training accelerate, ice cream enthusiasts can anticipate the grand opening between late April and early May.
Although the Portsmouth locale is the smallest of the trio, Warren Sternberg assures that it will offer a carefully curated selection of ten to eleven flavors. “We will have some core flavors such as cookie dough, Oreo, chocolate chip, vanilla, chocolate, and chocolate brownie,” he details, adding that the menu will rotate to include various other flavors and specials. Among the top picks, Sternberg shares his personal favorite, Heath Bar – a heavenly blend of vanilla ice cream with Heath Bar crunch. However, he notes that the perennial crowd-pleaser, cookie dough, will remain a staple for Portsmouth residents.
While the cookie dough isn’t crafted in-house like the rest of the ice cream, customers can expect the same level of quality that defines Clementine’s. “We make everything homemade, onsite in East Greenwich, and then we will deliver it to the Middletown and Portsmouth locations,” says Sternberg. “It’s all made with high-quality ingredients, like good cream, and has a high butterfat content, so it’s really rich and creamy. It’s also super fresh, usually made just two or three days before consumption.”
With its commitment to quality and craftsmanship, Clementine’s Homemade Ice Cream continues to delight patrons across Aquidneck Island, offering a taste of classic, homemade indulgence that is sure to please discerning palates.
