Birmingham’s food scene has long been a breeding ground for culinary talent, but few success stories are as heartwarming—or as delicious—as that of Ryan and Geri-Martha O’Hara, the passionate husband-and-wife duo behind Big Spoon Creamery. What started as a shared dream rooted in fine dining has blossomed into one of Alabama’s most beloved artisanal ice cream brands, bringing handcrafted flavors and hospitality-driven service to communities across the state, including a thriving location in Huntsville.

👩‍🍳 From Fine Dining to Frozen Dreams

Before they were running an ice cream empire, the O’Haras were sharpening their culinary chops in some of Birmingham’s most respected kitchens. Ryan, a Magic City native, began his professional journey in 2007 and earned his stripes at the legendary Bottega, training under James Beard Award-winning Chef Frank Stitt. His leadership skills and creative flair eventually earned him a sous chef position at Chez FonFon, where his passion for culinary excellence only deepened.

Meanwhile, Geri-Martha was following her own pastry path. Armed with an Entrepreneurship degree from the University of Alabama, she quickly made a name for herself as Executive Pastry Chef at Dodiyo’s in Homewood. Her quest for greatness took her to New York City, where she honed her craft with pastry legends like Dominique Ansel, Johnny Iuzzini, and Michael Laiskonis—skills she brought back home to Alabama. She joined Bottega as pastry chef, where fate—and flavor—would connect her with Ryan both professionally and personally.

🍨 The Big Spoon Brand

Launched in 2014, Big Spoon Creamery began humbly—starting as a tricycle-based ice cream cart before growing into a brick-and-mortar powerhouse. The company’s mission was clear from the beginning: create unforgettable ice cream experiences using local ingredients, handmade components, and inventive seasonal flavors.

Today, Big Spoon Creamery has grown beyond Birmingham, and the O’Haras have expanded their footprint into Huntsville, where their newest location is winning hearts and palates.

📍 Big Spoon in Huntsville: A New Chapter

For the O’Haras, the decision to open in Huntsville was deeply personal—Geri-Martha grew up in North Alabama, and the city holds special meaning for their family. The Huntsville scoop shop carries forward the same high standards and community-oriented vibe that define the brand, inviting guests into a bright, welcoming space where both the product and the people are equally celebrated.

Customers can expect rotating seasonal flavors, house-made mix-ins, and exceptional service—every scoop is a reflection of the team’s uncompromising attention to detail.

🥄 A Perfectly Balanced Team

Behind the scenes, the O’Haras have struck a unique balance that allows their talents to shine. Geri-Martha leads flavor innovation and back-of-house operations. With her pastry expertise, she creates menu items that are both whimsical and technically precise, like Goat Cheese Blackberry, Salted Caramel Brownie, and Strawberry Buttermilk. As a member of Les Dames d’Escoffier, she stays closely connected to the culinary world while continuing to raise the bar for artisan dessert making.

Ryan, meanwhile, oversees operations, staff development, and the customer experience side of the business. His thoughtful leadership ensures that every team member shares in the couple’s vision for kindness, quality, and community. Their dedication to hiring and training has built a team that genuinely reflects the warmth and passion that defines the Big Spoon experience.

👨‍👩‍👦‍👦 Family First, Always

At the heart of their business is something even more important than ice cream—family. Ryan and Geri-Martha balance their growing brand with the joys of raising their two young sons. For the O’Haras, Big Spoon is more than a business—it’s a legacy built on love, flavors, and bringing people together.

Whether you’re savoring a cone in Huntsville or lining up in Birmingham, each scoop at Big Spoon Creamery is a taste of the O’Haras’ passion, precision, and personal journey.

 
Source: bigspooncreamery.com
Header Image Source: bigspooncreamery.com