Eating Around with Em

De IJsmaker Antwerp

De IJsmaker is quickly becoming a must-visit spot in Antwerp for anyone with a sweet tooth. This ice cream shop, which hails from the Netherlands, has recently opened its doors on the vibrant Nationalestraat, adding a delicious twist to the neighbourhood. But De IJsmaker is more than just a place to grab a scoop, it’s a shining example of how technology is revolutionising the food industry.

What sets De IJsmaker apart is its innovative use of artificial intelligence. Every time a customer orders a scoop of ice cream at one of the kiosks, they’re doing more than just satisfying a craving; they’re also helping to build a vast database that powers the shop’s operations. The owner proudly shares, “In essence, we’re a tech company.” This forward-thinking approach enables De IJsmaker to precisely predict the amount of ice cream that needs to be prepared each day, as well as the number of staff required to keep things running smoothly.

Price category: €

Website De IJsmaker

Em’s star rating

With around 30 flavours to choose from, there’s something for everyone. I loved the cookie dough and hazelnut flavours, especially with the added duo of biscuits dipped in milk and white chocolate.

Fun fact

De IJsmaker distinguishes itself through its innovative use of artificial intelligence, transforming each customer interaction into valuable data that optimises the shop’s operations. The owner describes the business as “essentially a tech company,” leveraging AI to accurately predict daily ice cream production and staffing needs. This sophisticated system analyses a range of factors, including city events, weather patterns, holidays, and real-time data from Buienradar, allowing De IJsmaker to consistently meet demand, whether it’s a sunny weekend or a busy holiday season.

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