Nov. 6, 2023

Washington Pavilion Management Inc. has acquired the business operations of Parlour Ice Cream House and is moving the business across Main Avenue.

Parlour has closed at Washington Square, 340 S. Main Ave., in anticipation of the relocation.

It will be inside the Washington Pavilion near the entrance to the Kirby Science Discovery Center and the new Wells Fargo CineDome & Sweetman Planetarium.

“The Washington Pavilion has so many exciting things happening right now, from a record number of Broadway series subscribers to new, state-of-the-art planetarium technology to extensive renovations underway in our cafe, and now we’ll provide even more food and beverage options by adding Parlour ice cream to our offerings,” Darrin Smith, president and CEO of Washington Pavilion Management, said in a statement.

“Parlour ice cream has become a fan favorite for so many in our community, and we can’t wait to see the thousands of families who come through our doors enjoying it right here at the Pavilion.”

The business acquisition includes Parlour’s brand, recipes, equipment, furniture, inventory and supplies. The Washington Pavilion plans to rename its current concessions area Parlour House and remodel the space in December.

When Parlour House reopens in its new location on the second floor in late December, Parlour ice cream will be served there as well as at the Orpheum Theater Center during events and at the Washington Pavilion’s new retail space when it opens at The Steel District in 2024.

“Everything about Washington Square was always intended to complement the Washington Pavilion and enhance southern downtown. We are thrilled Parlour ice cream will now be accessible to so many more inside the Washington Pavilion,” said Washington Square partner and former Parlour owner Chris Houwman.

The Washington Pavilion’s cafe, The WP, is undergoing extensive remodeling that includes physical changes to the serving counter; new equipment, lighting and flooring; additional retail shelving; new food displays; and a new menu. The cafe is closed for these renovations and will reopen in mid-November. Lunch is still available in the concessions area during construction.