Sprinkles Ice Cream Shop, nestled at the base of Bowens Wharf in Newport, is a delightful destination for both locals and vacationers. Owned and operated by Joe MacKinnon since 2005, Sprinkles is a testament to Joe's passion for creating a joyful experience around ice cream — a project he decided to pursue as he prepared for retirement from his career at Electric Boat.

“I was getting older, in my 50s, 60s, and I wanted something to make a little money on the side,” Joe shared about his transition from Electric Boat to ice cream, emphasizing his desire for a fulfilling post-retirement venture.  

Joe's journey into the ice cream business began when he purchased a pizza and ice cream shop called Cafe Dimer, in 2005 while working at Electric Boat in Groton. By 2007, he decided to focus solely on ice cream, rebranding the establishment as Sprinkles.

The transition wasn't just a business decision but also a legacy move, inspired by his teenage years growing up in Middletown and working at Newport Creamery on Bellevue Avenue. His children, Krista and her older brother Joe Jr., helped in the shop from the very beginning.   

Sprinkles offers a wide variety of flavors that cater to diverse palates. Among the 30 hard ice cream and 2 soft serve flavors, some standout options include the unique peanut butter caramel cookie dough, the vibrant cookie monster, and the indulgent everything fudge loaded with M&Ms, cookie dough, and chocolate chips. For those with dietary restrictions, Sprinkles offers different frozen yogurt options, as well as a vegan wildberry or sugar-free vanilla ice cream. And, don’t forget their catchphrase: “Sprinkles are ALWAYS free.” Their menu also includes hot dogs and a full espresso bar — a perfect blend for those on the go.   

All in the family

Joe's daughter, Krista Ricci, has now taken the helm of Sprinkles, bringing her own flair to the beloved shop. An English-as-a-second-language teacher by profession, Krista finds joy in the universal language of smiles and ice cream, noting, “One of the first words kids learn in English is ice cream. It makes people smile.” She also believes that running an ice cream shop is the perfect summer job for a teacher. Busy winters, followed by busy summers. Her experience in education shapes the warm, welcoming atmosphere at Sprinkles.   

Throughout its history, Sprinkles has faced its share of challenges, from plywood and sandbagging before Hurricane Sandy in 2014, or an errant screwdriver that broke the glass door to the ice cream freezer, contaminating the entire inventory of ice cream. Yet even as he passed his 70th birthday, good staff and great customers keeps Joe eager to work at the shop “for at least a few more years.” Joe's resilient spirit and dedication to customer happiness have kept the shop flourishing. “In Newport, it's always good to see the customers; they're on vacation, and everybody's happy,” Joe said, capturing the essence of Sprinkles’ charm.  

Sprinkles is expanding. Since last year, Krista has led an ice cream cart initiative that brings Sprinkles to local events. Krista launched her ice cream cart after being inspired by an event at the Tilted Barn Brewery in Exeter, RI. She said, “How awesome would it be to have an ice cream cart there?” The cart business focuses on attending local events, schools, and sports tournaments in and around Exeter, Rhode Island, with Krista saying, “I would love to have our cart going to events 4 or 5 days a week.” This strategy not only boosts sales but also strengthens community ties and brings ice cream to where the hungry mouths are.  

Sprinkles continues to be a beloved spot in Newport, with a commitment to quality and a love of family. Joe’s efforts to involve his children in the business from the start emphasizes the importance of family. Krista remarked, “I think that's another reason why Sprinkles is what it is, because, you know, we have each other.” This family-oriented ethos is a cornerstone of Sprinkles’ operations and customer interactions. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Joe and Krista invite you to enjoy a scoop and experience the joy that defines their family-run business. When you go, Krista recommends the classic coffee affogato, a scoop of vanilla ice cream with an espresso shot of coffee in a cup. But, if you live on the wild side of Thames Street, you can mix it up and try it with a scoop of cappuccino chunk or chocolate lovers ice cream.   

Sprinkles Ice Cream Shop is at 9 Bowen's Wharf, Newport, RI 02840