Black Cat Ice Cream’s comeback to downtown Des Moines has the comfortable feel of a homecoming — and the energy of a brand-new opening. After months of scouting, salvaging and planning, co-owner Alex Carter unlocked the doors on Dec. 5 with a holiday-forward lineup that nods to the shop’s playful traditions and loyal community.

Carter, a little wry and a little wired, walked through the new space taking over the former Ritual Café location as he took care of the new shop’s finishing touches and a festive board of flavors — Grinch (mint with mint Oreos), Christmas cookie, cinnamon coffee cake, spumoni and red velvet Oreo among them.

“How many little things have I not done that I’ll discover after we open? About eight or nine,” he joked. “I’m wildly stressed out, but this is what I look l

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