Continuing a Legacy through Ice Cream
A business that started as a practical solution to sourcing ice-cream blossomed into a heartfelt mission to honour a family’s legacy. ManJack Creamery started some years ago with an ice-cream truck; a cherished project spearheaded by Glen ‘Shariffe” Maddox. However, Shariffe faced a challenge when finding a steady supply became increasingly difficult. A conversation with his brother Hezikiah Maddox ensued and Hezikiah suggested “Why not make the ice cream ourselves?”
However, before this shared vision could bear fruit, Shariffe tragically passed away. But instead of letting the dream fade, it became a driving force for Hezikiah to honour. Determined to carry on his brother’s legacy, Hezikiah delved into the art of ice cream making. He attended classes, developed relationships with manufacturers and purchase the machinery required, every step was a tribute to the bond he shared with his brother and the dream they envisioned. Today, ManJack Creamer is not only about making and serving delicious ice cream to the Virgin Islands- it’s about keeping a legacy alive and spreading joy, one scoop at a time.
Just ten years ago, ManJack opened its doors in Jost Van Dyke. About three years later, the business migrated to Tortola and opened its store front at the Cutlass Building. Now, the ice cream shop is located in the Cyril B Romney Pier Park where both locals and visitors can enjoy the deliciousness of locally made ice cream.
WelcomeBVI magazine sat with husband and wife duo Hezikiah and Deborah Maddox to find out what made their business so resilient and how it stands out among other ice cream parlours in the Virgin Islands.
At any given time, the ice cream parlour has between 35 and 40 flavours on the menu for customers to choose from. According to Deborah, Hezikiah is responsible for most of the flavours and occasionally, there were some experimentation. Some were better received than others from the general public and those flavours were kept while the others were shelved. Today, ManJack Creamery stands as a testament to tradition and quality. Each batch of ice cream is handmade, incorporating fresh, local ingredients to create flavours that are as bold as they are authentic. From classics like vanilla and chocolate to innovative creations such as orange-pineapple sorbet and black mamba, made from black cake, every scoop tells a story of dedication. Unlike mass-produced alternatives, ManJack Creamery’s ice cream is free of preservatives, churned fresh weekly, and always made with love.
Their process is as fascinating as their flavours. Using a batch freezer, a special milk base imported from a local Caribbean source, and a commitment to whole, natural ingredients, the team creates ice cream that stands apart. Each fruit is peeled, blended, or chopped by hand, ensuring that every flavour bursts with authenticity. Whether it’s the subtle tang of real strawberries, the rich creaminess of pistachios, or the spice of homemade ginger snap, ManJack Creamery offers a true taste of craftsmanship.
But it’s not just the quality of the product that sets them apart—it’s the connection to the community. The team regularly involves customers in creating new flavours, hosting competitions that allow the public to suggest ideas. Recent additions like orange-pineapple and peanut rum punch ice cream were inspired by customer submissions. This collaborative spirit, paired with seasonal offerings like eggnog and peppermint, ensures there’s always something exciting on the menu.
ManJack Creamery also caters to diverse palates, offering dairy-free sorbets and indulgent alcohol-infused flavours like the bold “Crazy Rum Raisin” and the decadent “Bushwacker,” featuring seven types of liquor. These unique options reflect the team’s creativity and willingness to experiment while staying true to their commitment to quality. With over 100 flavours in their repertoire, they rotate their selection to keep things fresh while satisfying long-time fans of signature flavours like avocado and soursop. By allowing customers to sample flavours before buying, the team ensures every purchase is a perfect match, reinforcing their reputation for exceptional customer care.
At its core, ManJack Creamery is about more than ice cream—it’s about legacy, passion, and resilience. Through every challenge and triumph, the team continues to serve joy in every scoop, ensuring that a family dream lives on, one delicious flavour at a time. Their story reminds us that sometimes, the simplest pleasures, like a cone of freshly churned ice cream, can carry the deepest meanings. It’s a business built on love, community, and the belief that honouring the past can inspire a flavourful future. As ManJack Creamery looks ahead, they remain committed to growing their legacy while staying grounded in the values that started it all.
