From local scoop shop to national spotlight: Tamara Keefe’s next chapter

Published April 12, 2026

Tamara Keefe Clementine’s Ice Cream — Tamara Keefe.

Tamara Keefe, founder and CEO of Clementine’s Ice Cream, was named to the 2026 Inc. Magazine Female Founders 500, an annual list recognizing the most innovative and impactful women entrepreneurs in the United States.

With a recent capital raise, Clementine’s is expanding its production not only to serve company-owned and franchised stores but grocery, e-commerce and co-packing for other ice cream companies.

Keefe attends Congregation Temple Israel.

Clementine’s Ice Cream now certified kosher in St. Louis

Some sweet news from St. Louis’ own Clementine’s Ice Cream: most of its flavors, toppings and baked goods are now Vaad certified kosher, officially making Clementine’s the place for kosher ice cream St. Louis can enjoy with confidence. The certification covers fan favorites like Madagascar Vanilla, Salted Caramel Cookies and Cream and the shop’s gooey butter cake.

| Where are Clementine’s Ice Cream Parlors Located?

No kid left out

Founder and CEO Tamara Keefe, a member of Temple Israel, says it all started with one simple idea. “No little kid should not be able to have ice cream — and the best ice cream — from their local community,” she said. “That was really the impetus for all of it.”

Keefe had been thinking about kosher certification for a while and wanted to make sure her products could be served at more local Jewish community events.

Same ice cream, new stamp of approval

If you’re wondering whether anything tastes different, the answer is no. “We didn’t have to change anything,” Keefe said. “It was just a matter of going through the process, inspections and ingredient checks.”

Since all Clementine’s ice cream is made in their north St. Louis commissary, Vaad inspectors focused on that facility — reviewing food safety steps, making sure dairy and non-dairy equipment were separate and confirming all ingredients were kosher.

What’s certified — and what’s next

Keefe notes that seasonal flavors are not yet certified but are in the process of being reviewed. Each parlor will post a full list of certified flavors and keep printed certificates on hand for anyone who asks. Clementine’s will also maintain an updated list on its website and share updates on social media as new flavors are approved.

Keefe also teased what’s coming soon. “We’re the only ice cream company in the country that does Hanukkah flavors,” she said. This year’s pick: Cherry Chipotle Rugelach ice cream, with handmade rugelach chunks folded right in. “It has a little heat with the cherry — it’s delicious.”

So yes, kosher ice cream St. Louis fans — Clementine’s has you covered.

Certified kosher flavors

Ice Cream
• Blue Moon
• Butterscotch Toffee Malt
• Chocolate Dreams
• Espresso Royale
• Front Porch Mint Chip
• Grandma Marie’s Butter Brickle
• Honey Lavender
• Madagascar Vanilla
• Midnight Pleasures
• Nutella
• Salted Caramel Cookies and Cream
• Salted Cracker Caramel
• Strawberries and Cream

Non-Dairy
• Coconut Fudge
• Lemon Poppyseed
• Mounds of Coconut
• Raspberry Sorbet
• Tahini Chocolate Chip
• Vanilla Bean

Baked Goods & Sauces
• Hot Fudge
• Lava Cakes
• Salted Caramel Sauce
• Gooey Butter Cake