Moonshot Creamery Has Closed in Tuscaloosa
The ice cream shop at 1650 Jack Warner Parkway shut down after its owners decided not to renew the lease.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Tuscaloosa dessert destination Moonshot Creamery has closed permanently after three years in business. Owners Audrey and Paul Vermilyea opted not to renew the lease for their shop located at 1650 Jack Warner Parkway.
Why it matters
The closure marks the end of a unique local venture that combined small-batch ice cream with natural wines. The decision to exit the storefront follows the expiration of the business's lease agreement.
The shop operated for three years, serving 20 distinct ice cream flavors alongside natural wines priced from $16 to $20. Its launch was supported by a $50,000 crowdfunding campaign.
The players
Audrey and Paul Vermilyea
These owners managed the operation of Moonshot Creamery and previously founded the business Domo.
Moonshot Creamery
This was a local Tuscaloosa establishment known for selling small-batch ice cream and natural wines.
The details
Operating in the space formerly occupied by Domo, the shop served the Tuscaloosa community using milk sourced from Newnan, Georgia. The establishment officially ceased operations this week following its final day of business on Wednesday.
Timeline
June 2023: Moonshot Creamery opened to the public.
September 27, 2026: The shop announced its permanent closure on social media.
This week (September 2026): The shop ceased all operations.
Market Landscape
This closure reflects broader shifts in local retail dynamics, where independent shops must balance the costs of premium supply chains against rising commercial rent. It marks a transition for the 1650 Jack Warner Parkway site, which now joins other local properties in a period of commercial turnover.
Regular customers will no longer have access to the shop's small-batch ice cream or natural wine selections at the Jack Warner Parkway location. The closure removes a niche retail option from the local dessert and beverage scene.
The takeaway
Supporting niche local businesses often relies on community-driven funding and consistent patronage to survive multi-year lease cycles. Residents seeking unique dessert experiences may now look to explore other independent shops within the Tuscaloosa area.
Further reading
For more on local commercial changes, visit Openings & Closings.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Tuscaloosa Thread.
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