The black family-owned business will open in Howard Row this fall.

The DMV's first plant-based ice cream shop just won a storefront competition. The big prize? Their very own shop!

Cajou Creamery was one of two businesses to be selected by Market Center Merchants Association, property developers Poverni Sheikh, and Charles Street Development Corp., cited with providing high-quality goods and a "global chic aesthetic." Along with receiving a physical storefront, businesses won't have to pay rent for a year. The brick-and-mortar store plans to open in Baltimore's Howard Row neighborhood this fall.

Cajou was started by married couple Dwight and Nicole Foster, who wanted better ice cream options for their lactose-intolerant children. Their products use almond and cashew milk and contain no dairy, gluten, or soy fillers. Their flavors span the globe, ranging from Baklava (Middle Eastern) to Sweet Potato Pie (Southern U.S.).

“Cajou Creamery’s new space on Howard Row will be a significant opportunity to continue educating people on the benefits and deliciousness of plant-based foods. This particular area of Howard Row is located in a food-insecure area, and Cajou Creamery will allow patrons to experience various plant-based or plant-forward options,” Nicole Foster said, reported by VegNews.

Their silky treats are sold at restaurants, farmer's markets, and hotels, but a retail space holds a lot of promise for the burgeoning local business. As well as expanding plant-forward food options, the creamery aims to become a worker-owned cooperative and employ citizens recently released from incarceration.

Currently, the store is running a crowd-sourcing campaign that would help them expand to national shipping and upgrade to a large-batch freezer. The campaign runs through July 30 and aims to raise $30,000. And if you're in Baltimore, you can enjoy a "Pint of Joy" using their Porch Drops delivery service!

Wanna get the scoop? Check them out on Facebook, Instagram, and their website.

**All photos courtesy of Cajou Creamery

Have you tried Cajou Creamery before? Are you excited to visit their store in the fall? Tell us in the comments, along with what flavor you'll try!