Meet Adam Cohen, an Annapolis native, husband, dad of two boys, owner of Always Ice Cream Company, and our FIRST-EVER Meet a Dad Feature!
He bought Annapolis Ice Cream Company in 2020 and has expanded to eight locations (with more on the way!) and recently announced exciting franchise opportunities!
Always Ice Cream Company has quickly become a community favorite, known for its fun local collaborations, over 250 rotating flavors, and simple, wholesome ingredients that make every scoop a treat!
Adam shares what inspired him to buy an ice cream company, the best advice he’s learned from fatherhood, and his favorite dad hacks that make life a little easier!
Tell us a little bit about you and your family! Where did you grow up? How long have you lived in the Annapolis area? How many kids do you have?
We grew up in Arnold, MD. I went to Severn School and then, after college, moved back to the area downtown Annapolis. Met my wonderful, beautiful, and amazing wife, Kelsey, downtown in 2014. In January 2021, we adopted our first child and pet, Dutton. In April 2023, we had our first child, Liam, and in 2025, Parker. We live locally in Edgewater now and love the area.
You are the owner of the popular (and DELICIOUS) ice cream shop, Always Ice Cream. How did you get to your career today?
Our family thought it would be enjoyable to open an ice cream shop/on Main Street called Annapolis Ice Cream Company. In 2020, we purchased it, and my brother Mark and I joined shortly after. The rest was history, and we started Always Ice Cream at the end of 2020.
Any fun stories or surprising moments from working at Always Ice Cream?
We have done collabs with Timber Pizza and Naval Bagels. Who doesn't love an everything bagel or pizza, but when we mixed it with the ice cream, we were very surprised. The garlic and peppers exploded with taste and were certainly a one-taste scoop only. Growing a business with an amazing support staff and team makes the journey super fun and exciting, with many more things to come in the future.
Is there anything big or new coming at Always Ice Cream that you can tell us?
We have two new shops opening up. One next month in Prince Frederick, Calvert County. In 2026, we have one more coming (not announced yet!), but we also just started franchising this year in 2025.
What’s your favorite flavor on the menu (and your kids' favorite)?
I love our salted caramel. I’m also a very simple guy when it comes to other flavors and love our vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. As for my son Liam, he is obsessed with Cookie Monster! I think the blue color and cookies work for all kids.
As a small business owner, what are some ways you maintain a work-life balance to make family a priority?
I have been trying to build flexibility into my workday so I can be there for school pickups and swim classes, or just dinner together as a family.
How has your job shifted your perspective on Fatherhood?
My job has really shown me how valuable and fast time is. It’s pushed me to be more mindful about making time for my kids, even when life gets crazy and we are in our busy season, because those moments only happen once.
What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Everyone always says I can make a friend anywhere without knowing anyone in the room!
What’s something you love that’s just for you?
I love spending time with my family, but I also love to play golf, work out at the gym, and enjoy watching sports with friends.
Best dad hack that makes your life easier.
Let them help with simple tasks like putting clothes in the hamper, wiping a spill, getting them involved in anything we are doing, while explaining what we are doing and why we are doing it. It keeps them busy and teaches them simple skills in life while attempting to make our lives a little easier!
Name something you hope your children look back and remember about their childhood and you as their father.
I hope they remember that they are my priority. That no matter how busy life got, I always made time for them and truly enjoyed being their dad.
What’s your favorite family activity to do in the area?
Fall festivals at Homestead Gardens. Going to the library with our family, going to the park, and family walks.
What have you learned from your children?
It can get pretty hectic running a business, but my children have taught me that it's okay to slow down and to appreciate the little things in life. You need to make time for your family because they look up to my wife and me, and the smile you get when you see them is life-changing!
What advice would you give to other dads juggling work, passion, and family?
Juggling everything doesn’t mean doing everything at once, but it means being fully present with my friends and family. Always prioritize quality time and don’t forget to enjoy time for yourself too. Time goes fast, and kids grow up extremely quickly - take photos and videos!
Who has most influenced you to be the dad you are today?
My own dad! He influenced me in ways I didn’t fully appreciate and understand what he did and the way he did it until I became a dad myself. His steady presence with us, his work ethic, and the way he prioritized family above everything when we needed him most are what I am working towards every day to become the father he is to my brother and me.
What do you love most about raising your family in this town?
There’s always a beach to go to. Everything is convenient and close to Annapolis, and being able to be on the water at any time quickly.
We love supporting local businesses! What are your favorite places in the Anne Arundel County area to:
Get coffee: I actually have never bought a cup of coffee (for myself), but I do love iced tea and frozen matcha latte from Rise Up!
Go on a date night: We don’t get too many date nights anymore, but we do enjoy going to Lewnes Steakhouse and then strolling around downtown. Vin 909 and Choptank are also some of our favorite spots.
Go out to dinner as a family: Boatyard and Senior Chiles (super kid-friendly and noisy, so it works great for two young kids)
Have fun as a family: Go to local parks (Mayo Beach Park is the best), hang out with family members, go on walks with our pup, Dutty, and of course, grab a scoop of ice cream!
Give back to the community: Donations to local non-profits, supporting schools and organizations through spirit nights and our month-long fundraisers for Anne Arundel County Public Schools, Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic, and Anne Arundel County Library.
Want to meet other parents like Adam Cohen? See all the Meet a Mom + Meet a Dad profiles! Or email us to be a featured!
Always Ice Cream Company was founded by the owners of Annapolis Ice Cream Company. They have been voted Best of Annapolis, Maryland since 2004 and Best of Central Maryland 2022 & 23. Having spent years serving up joy on Annapolis' lively main street, our shop is now poised for growth, transforming into the vibrant entity known as Always Ice Cream Company. We are meticulously crafting a harmonious blend of ultra-premium, homemade ice cream, and the cutting-edge allure of contemporary, sleek design.
We grew tired of the ubiquitous "old-style ice cream parlor" with only the limited, standard flavors and sought to introduce an entirely new ice cream experience – one that not only prioritizes top-tier ice cream but elevates the customer experience through modern aesthetics and a rotation of 200+ unique and delicious flavors.
Come by to savor our amazing flavors, including FULL Pies, Birthday Cakes, Cheesecakes, and more, all SWIRLED into our premium ice cream!
We always say, "If the decision was easy, it wouldn't be fun"
