Tyra Banks is opening a "smize" cream shop in D.C.
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Master of smize. Photo: Taylor Hill/WireImage
Here's something we never expected: Tyra Banks is opening her first-ever scoop shop in Woodley Park next Friday.
- Yes, that Tyra Banks.
Why it matters: Banks added ice-cream entrepreneur and nonprofit leader to her supermodel/actor/global icon resume, and she's chosen D.C. as a runway to launch.
Catch up quick: The "America's Next Top Model" host started her ice-cream company, Smize Cream, five years ago ("Smize" being Banksese for "smiling with your eyes"). Smize earlier had some pop-ups in California, but is now focused on a stand in Dubai and this new one.
- Now a D.C. "Flavor Studio" pop-up will serve scoops across from the zoo through September. In addition to being a new concept, the shop is part of a rebrand to SMiZe & DREAM, a company that empowers local youth.
Dig in: What makes smize cream unique is that there's a "Smize Surprize," a flavored truffle, hidden in every portion. Also, celebrity flavor collabs with folks like Lionel Richie.
- The shop will open with a special D.C. scoop: "Cap Hill Crunch," a Cap'n Crunch-infused ice cream with a bipartisan swirl of toffee and cereal-soaked French toast pieces.
- A new limited-edition flavor will drop every week.
What's next: Following the summer pop-up, Banks is "investing in D.C.'s culinary education," according to a press release, with a "nonprofit ice cream and entrepreneurial learning center."
- It's designed to educate underserved youth about the ice-cream industry, from production to sales.
- Eventually, the program aims to "extend globally to SMiZE's international outposts, fostering cross-cultural collaboration and enriching connections for D.C. youth."
- The location is TBA. A Smize & Dream graphic novel is also in the works.
In case you're wondering: The new quinquagenarian may have just tried alcohol for the first time, but ice cream is a beloved indulgence since childhood. " I live, breathe, and absolutely love it."
The bottom line: With Tyra Banks moving in and new pandas dropping soon at the Zoo, Woodley Park has never been as cool.
If you go: As a nod to D.C., the first 202 guests in line at 2653 Connecticut Ave NW on opening day will get a free scoop.
Editor's note: This story has been corrected to reflect that Smize used to have some pop-up stores in California (not a Los Angeles package store), and to remove outdated information about the product's ingredients.