Ice cream has a way of bringing people together. At Cosmic Ice Cream Co., that philosophy is at the heart of everything they do. Founded by Julian and Camille Haynes, this locally owned business has grown from an idea sparked during the pandemic into a thriving brand known for its handcrafted, high-quality flavors. Now with three locations, including one in the Spring Branch District, Cosmic Ice Cream Co. is building more than just a customer base: it’s becoming part of the community.
From Oil and Gas to Ice Cream
Julian Haynes never imagined he would one day be making ice cream for a living. Originally from the Washington, D.C., and Maryland area, he grew up in a military family, moving frequently, including a few years in Germany. His career eventually brought him to Houston, where he spent a decade working in oil and gas. But something was missing.
“I’ve always wanted to start a business,” Julian said. “While working in oil and gas was a great, fulfilling career, I always had the desire to do something else and start my own thing.”
That opportunity came unexpectedly. During the COVID-19 pandemic, his wife, Camille, noticed a vacant space next to a Mod Pizza and casually suggested it would be a great spot for an ice cream shop. What started as a joke quickly turned into a serious conversation.
They initially explored the idea of opening a Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt franchise, but after much thought, they decided to build something of their own. That decision set them on a path of learning, experimentation, and eventually, success.
Learning the Craft from Scratch
Neither Julian nor Camille had any prior experience making ice cream. But that didn’t stop them. Camille, a registered dietitian, took it upon herself to learn.
“She watched YouTube videos, read books, and started making ice cream in our home kitchen,” Julian said. “She was completely self-taught.”
It was a process of trial and error. Developing the perfect chocolate chip cookie for their Cookie Monster Ice Cream, for instance, took two weeks of nightly testing.
“I was sampling cookies every night for two weeks,” Julian said. “I gained 20 pounds in the year before we opened our first shop. Then I lost pretty much all of it in the first two months of running the business because we were constantly on the move.”
Their dedication to getting every detail right paid off. Today, Cosmic Ice Cream Co. is known for its original recipes, unique flavors, and commitment to quality.
Why Spring Branch?
After opening their first location in Clearlake, Julian and Camille were looking for the right place to expand. Friends and fellow restaurateurs John and Christine, owners of The Blind Goat and Stuffed Belly, suggested they look at a space in Spring Branch.
“They said, ‘Hey, we’re putting our restaurant in Spring Branch. There’s a space for lease in the same shopping center. We think you should take a look at it,’” Julian recalled. “So we did. And as they say, the rest is history.”
The decision proved to be the right one.
“We love the Spring Branch area. We really feel like we’re part of the community. We feel like we’re neighbors, just part of the neighborhood,” Julian said. “It’s really cool to be part of the district.”
Customer-Favorite Flavors
Cosmic Ice Cream Co. offers a variety of flavors, each crafted with care and attention to detail. Some of their customers’ favorites include:
Chocolate Milk and Cookies – A twist on cookies and cream, made by blending Oreos into vanilla ice cream.
Cookie Monster – A blue-colored ice cream with chocolate chip cookies, a favorite among kids.
Banana Pudding – Made with roasted bananas, brown sugar, Nilla wafers, and a cool whip swirl.
Salted Peanut Butter Brownie – A personal favorite of Camille’s and a hit with customers.
Where to Find Cosmic Ice Cream Co.
Cosmic Ice Cream Co. currently has three locations:
Clearlake/Webster (937 W Bay Area Blvd)
Spring Branch (8207A Long Point Rd)
Pearland (9240 Broadway)
They also distribute ice cream to several Houston-area restaurants, including The Blind Goat, The Kennedy, Feges BBQ and Slowpokes Coffee Shops.
If you’re looking for a truly unique ice cream experience, Cosmic Ice Cream Co. is a must-visit. Check them out online at www.cosmichtx.com and on IG @Cosmic.HTX on Instagram and Facebook.
