Cloud City Ice Cream Needs $60,000 to Keep Woodstock Shop Open

Bryan Gilbert is asking the neighborhood to help save the ice cream parlor he built in memory of his mother. Cloud City Ice Cream, located in Portland’s Woodstock district, launched a crowdfunding campaign on Tuesday, October 27, to raise $60,000. The shop needs the funds to avoid closing its doors after fifteen years in operation. As of Wednesday, October 28, the GoFundMe page had collected nearly $38,000.

The financial pressure stems from a major equipment failure in 2024. That breakdown forced the shop to close temporarily during peak season. Gilbert noted that the loss of summer revenue left the business in a precarious position. He has since exhausted personal savings to cover the costs of the past two summer seasons. Gilbert stated that current loan options are not sustainable for the long term. He expressed regret about not starting a crowdfunding effort sooner, citing his discomfort with asking for financial help.

Gilbert founded the business in 2011. At the time, he was caring for his mother, whom he described as his best friend, while she battled cancer. He also felt that the local ice cream culture was fading. His mother had taken his twins to a nearby shop for their first taste of ice cream. She passed away the day before Gilbert signed the lease for Cloud City. On the company website, he called the business a tribute to her and hoped she would be proud.

In the Instagram post announcing the campaign, Gilbert reflected on the shop's role in the community. He said the team has been honored to serve Woodstock for the past fifteen summers. The goal is to stay open for several more years. Regardless of the outcome, Gilbert described it as a pleasure to be part of the community. He expressed gratitude to everyone who has supported the shop.

Cloud City Ice Cream operates as a small-batch producer. The shop is located at 4525 S.E. Woodstock Blvd. It is open daily from noon to 9 p.m. The campaign targets the specific gap left by the 2024 closure, aiming to rebuild the capital base that allows the business to weather future equipment issues or seasonal dips.