The Creamery: Scoops, Sandwiches, and Sweet Memories in West Monroe
In a world full of fast meals and quick stops, The Creamery is the kind of place that slows you down - in the best way possible. Tucked into West Monroe, the longtime local favorite has built a reputation for hand-spun milkshakes, juicy burgers, hand-cut fries, and banana splits piled high in frosted glass dishes. But for new owners Shawn and Courtney Hornsby, The Creamery is about more than food. It’s about memories, community, and preserving a place generations of families already love.
“We had great memories of our kids eating ice cream here when they were younger,” Courtney shared. “When we had the opportunity to purchase the diner, we thought it was a great way to continue the tradition and support our West Monroe community.”
The couple officially took ownership just over a year ago, turning what started as “a fun family project” into something much bigger - a gathering place filled with familiar faces, comfort food, and ice cream-covered smiles.
Taking over a beloved local restaurant comes with responsibility, especially when loyal customers are protective of their favorite menu items.
One of the first things we heard when we took over was, ‘Don’t mess with the recipes,’” and we thought, why would we mess with what already works?Shawn Hornsby
That commitment to honoring The Creamery’s legacy has gone a long way with longtime customers. The cheeseburger remains a crowd favorite, while the patty melt has developed something of a cult following.
“For the folks who love it, it’s sacred,” Shawn said. “The only thing we’ve done differently is create a double patty melt for the people ordering two at a time.”
And while many visitors initially walk in thinking about ice cream, they quickly realize The Creamery’s food menu is just as memorable.
“The hand-cut fries are something people absolutely don’t want us to get rid of,” Courtney said. “And then there’s the banana splits and hand-spun milkshakes. There just aren’t many places locally where you can still get those experiences anymore.”
Step inside The Creamery and you’ll immediately notice something nostalgic about the space. The retro diner feel, colorful ice cream cabinets, and familiar booths create the kind of atmosphere that feels timeless.
But what keeps people coming back isn’t just the décor - it’s the feeling.
We want people to look back years from now and remember sitting in these booths with ice cream-covered faces. That’s what led us to buy this place.Shawn Hornsby
For the Hornsbys, creating a safe, welcoming environment matters just as much as serving great food. They’ve watched their own children gather here with friends, creating memories much like the ones they experienced years ago.
“We want families to come here and have a good time together,” Courtney said. “We want it to feel fun, welcoming, and homey.”
And the community has embraced them right back.
From local school partnerships to catering events and community sponsorships, The Creamery has quickly become woven even deeper into the fabric of Ouachita Parish. The restaurant recently partnered with the National Wheelchair Basketball Association’s championships, West Monroe High School soccer, Entergy events, and even the Monroe Greenheads arena football team.
People want to support local. That means a lot to us.Courtney Hornsby
Ask the Hornsbys about memorable moments, and they don’t immediately mention business milestones. Instead, they talk about people.
Like the birthday party where a group of girls dressed up as little old ladies - complete with canes, hairnets, and fake cigarettes - while staying fully in character the entire night. Or the Grinch making appearances during Christmas season while kids crowded around for photos and sundaes.
“It showed us this place can be more than somewhere you eat,” Courtney said. “It’s somewhere people make memories.”
That sense of connection is something they see daily in their regular customers, many of whom know the waitstaff by name and have been coming for years.
While preserving tradition remains important, Shawn and Courtney are also bringing fresh ideas to The Creamery’s future.
The diner recently launched DoorDash and a new customer loyalty program, making it easier for locals to grab comfort food and ice cream whenever cravings hit.
They’ve also added a mobile ice cream cart that can travel to weddings, parties, church events, and community gatherings - bringing a little piece of The Creamery directly to the people.
And perhaps most exciting for Monroe residents?
The Hornsbys hinted that The Creamery may someday expand back across the river.
“Our Monroe friends keep asking when we’re bringing The Creamery back to Monroe,” Shawn said with a smile. “Give us a little more time and maybe you’ll see some news.”
Until then, families will keep piling into booths, kids will keep standing on tiptoes trying to choose between colorful flavors, and another generation of memories will keep forming one scoop at a time.
Because in Monroe-West Monroe, places like The Creamery aren’t just restaurants.
They’re traditions.
