DIAMONDHEAD — Bela’s Coffee & Creamery has opened in Diamondhead, adding a locally owned coffee shop and ice cream parlor as the city continues to see new investment and growth.
Owner Stephen LeBlanc said he decided to open the shop after seeing what he believed was a need for a neighborhood gathering place where residents could enjoy coffee and ice cream close to home.
“I’ve lived in Diamondhead for years, and we’ve always thought about starting something here,” LeBlanc said. “I saw the need, and I decided it was something that I wanted to open.”
The opening comes as Diamondhead continues to expand its services and infrastructure. Earlier this year, city leaders moved forward with plans to establish the city’s first municipal police department, saying the move reflects the community’s continued growth since its incorporation in 2012. City officials have also pursued infrastructure improvements and other projects intended to support future residential and commercial development.
LeBlanc said he wanted Bela’s Coffee & Creamery to serve residents of all ages, particularly families and grandparents looking for a place to spend time together.
“There’s nothing around here for grandparents to do with their grandkids when it comes to getting ice cream,” he said. “At the front entrance to Diamondhead, there wasn’t a coffee shop either.”
LeBlanc said community support has been strong during the business’s first several weeks.
“We’ve been super blessed by the city of Diamondhead in the last 12 weeks,” he said. “They’ve really supported us.”
Bela’s Coffee & Creamery is LeBlanc’s first business. He said opening it in the community where he lives made Diamondhead the natural choice.
“Honestly, I can’t think of a better place for us to have opened our first business,” LeBlanc said. “We live here, we love it here, and the people here appreciate what we do for them. It’s really nice to be able to serve this community.”
The Hancock County Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony July 9 to formally welcome the business.
Bela’s Coffee & Creamery, at 4405 E. Aloha Drive, Suite M, is open from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
