What do you get when you combine small-town charm, a whole lot of creativity, and one very spontaneous decision? You get Queen City Scoop Shop, one of downtown Cumberland’s sweetest institutions, and a must-stop on the Allegany County Ice Cream Trail. Back in 2015, when Rhiannon Brown heard the beloved Queen City Creamery might close its doors, she didn’t hesitate.
“I think I’m going to buy the Creamery,” she told herself.
She kept the original name Queen City Creamery, coined by founders Rick and Terry Michels, preserving both the shop’s identity and Cumberland’s proud nickname as the “Queen City,” once the second-largest city in Maryland. That spark of inspiration has blossomed into nearly a decade of handcrafted frozen custard, deep community roots, and a flavor board that changes almost daily.
Rhiannon’s love for ice cream runs deep. One of her earliest memories is of the Mr. Softee truck making its way through her neighborhood, the jingle marking the start of a joyful ritual. That joy now lives on in the creamy swirls of frozen custard she crafts daily.
Queen City Scoop Shop specializes in frozen custard, a creamier, richer cousin to ice cream that uses eggs in the base for its signature texture and taste. The team starts with unflavored vanilla or chocolate custard mix, then layers in flavors, swirls, and mix-ins as it churns through the machine. It’s a hands-on process that allows for creativity and flavorful explosions. Her spirit of invention shines in collaborations with local businesses, like the Basecamp Cold Brew Crumble, a fan favorite made with Basecamp Coffee and a scratch-made crumble.
Innovation is a core ingredient. From summer’s fresh peaches to quirky hits like Caramel Old Bay (“We’re from Maryland—we put Old Bay on everything!”), the menu surprises and delights. But Rhiannon still finds comfort in a classic: cookies and cream.
“Add an Oreo to anything and it’s instantly better,” she says with a laugh.
Local sourcing is a point of pride. The shop uses red raspberries from Leaning Pine Farms, honey from Bright Side Farm, and, when available, peaches from Rice’s Farm. The custard even makes its way into massive cookie sandwiches at AJ’s Cookie Jar—yet another example of how Rhiannon’s business is deeply woven into the local fabric.
That community connection extends far beyond ingredients. Whether donating product for events like the summer Police Camp or scooping at Ty Johnson’s Football Camp, Rhiannon is constantly giving back. One particularly touching moment came from long-time customer Marie Shipley, who knit a wallet, wrote a heartfelt note, and tucked in $20 for a former employee returning home from Army training.
Running the shop is no easy feat.
“It’s a constant hustle,” Rhiannon admits, but the rewards are rich. “I love my staff family. I love that travelers seek us out. I love being part of this downtown.”
As for what’s next? Rhiannon dreams of expansion, with future storefronts possibly popping up in Bedford or Morgantown. Until then, you’ll find her right here in Cumberland, swirling sprinkles (“Sprinkles are for winners!”), serving up smiles, and keeping the Queen City’s sweetest traditions alive.
Plan Your Visit:
📍 Queen City Scoop Shop
152 Baltimore Street, Cumberland, MD
(240) 727-7779
Ready to taste what all the swirl is about? Queen City Scoop Shop is located in the heart of downtown Cumberland, just steps from the C&O Canal towpath and Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, and surrounded by boutique shops, galleries, and historic architecture.
Allegany County Ice Cream Trail
You can satisfy your sweet tooth all day long on Allegany County’s Ice Cream Trail.