Reasons To Be Cheerful
There are so many reason to be cheerful here. Every flavor of homemade ice cream you can think of (with incredibly creative names) like E.T. and Black Raspberry Peacock… plus great coffee. What’s not to like? They have special hours right now with a take out window. Stand six feet apart and they’ll take your order. Take a look at their website. Yum!
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Reviews
Nola Marie November 2, 2024
The store is so cozy, warming and welcoming. If you want to feel a sense of west concord community, go here. The smell of the place is so therapeutic and comforting. You just have to go check it out for yourself, this community gem will not disappoint. Trust me, I’m a city girl from Boston, Ma born and raised.
Jessica Silva June 11, 2024
I love this little store!!! (including the 'next door' building, which I like to visit a lot, even if I don't need anything :) )
It has a wonderful variety of interesting specialty items, healthy alternatives, local and all-natural foods and vitamins, skincare and supplements. Friendly people working there! Every time I stop in I find something interesting.
The bulk bin section has not only nuts, rice, granola, etc. but also - herbs, spices, coffee and loose-leaf MEM Tea! I love that I can come in and get just the right amount of what I need. I like to make my own herbal tea blends and can find the majority of what I need for really great prices.
The little kitchen area in 'Next Door' has some of the best sandwiches I have ever tasted. I don't know what veganaise is, but the one they put in their sandwiches is so delicious that I think about it pretty often. Oh, and the dessert goodies they make. Try any of them, you'll love it.
Jared Hale May 7, 2024
Why are there only 84 reviews of Debra's Natural Gourmet? This is a must visit for natural food, supplements, health, and more. There's no words to describe it! Don't forget the nut section in the new building next door. The old 5 & 10 was beautifully redesigned to accommodate a deli/natural foods section with plenty of seating inside and outside for nice break. There are many international foods available, even from Japan!
Alex R February 16, 2024
Great flavor selection as well as topping selection! Tastes good as well, though a little expensive for the serving size. Staff did a great job too.
Amy F. February 7, 2024
This icecream was awesome! Creamy and full of flavor. The staff were attentive and friendly. The place is cute. I was exhorted to find icecream this good in...
Chloe Ioffe December 22, 2023
My family has been customers of Debra’s Natural Gourmet from their first days in business, living about a mile away in West Concord. It’s still our go-to store, especially for the things that can’t be found reliably, or at all, anywhere else. I’ve moved to the Worcester county area, but shopping at Debra’s is part of my week. It’s where I buy such critical groceries as my beloved South River Miso, and a newly-discovered, and now favorite, vegan cheese. Sushi from Debra’s has become part of my time when I go to see my parents. And I’ve taken my son shopping here. It’s so amazing that the little health food store that this used to be, has grown so much and put West Concord on the map for such businesses.
Edited for weird spelling errors that must have been autocorrected.
P. S. It’s a relief that Debra’s son, Adam, has followed in her footsteps. I’ve always admired the all-hands-on-deck culture of this business.
AmeliaRoseT.Stubblbine Stubblebine October 6, 2023
I can’t believe how lucky I am to have this store only a mile from me. I love all the freshly prepared meals. Sushi, curry chicken salad, mana moose bites and non gluten cookies are my favorites.
Any Supplements I could want or need and knowledgeable staff to give me advice for what to try. Our family is so much healthier because of the many good things Debra’s has for us. Debra has left a wonderful legacy for our community and beyond.
Marcell Graeff October 3, 2023
Wicked awesome coffee frappe! This was my first time visiting this cute ice cream shoppe in West Concord after swimming in Walden Pond a few miles away.
Matt H September 9, 2023
We stopped in here and got the vegan coffee cookie flavor. There were only 2 vegan options but the coffee cookie was very good.
Joanne Taranto June 12, 2023
Reasons to be Cheerful is a great ice cream shop in the heart of West Concord village. The staff is always polite and the service is great. They have a traveling ice cream truck called, The Chill Wagon, that you can hire for events and parties. Definitely recommend giving it a try!
Cay L. March 14, 2023
Amazing hot chocolate!
Real whipped cream!
It was a freezing day and I was looking
for a place to sit down, it was one of the
few places opened. Then I...
Linda M March 1, 2023
Huge selection usually with several options (brand, sizes, etc.). New refillery with lots of options from grains, spices/herb, pasta, coffee, tea, etc. Now, also with a prepared foods (sandwiches, soup, desserts, sushi/poke bowls, etc.) area with seating!
Cheryl Marceau February 2, 2023
Good ice cream (and better than the mega ice cream place a few miles away) but definitely not as good as when we first discovered it. We discovered last year that the shop changed hands between then and now. The ice cream itself isn't quite as creamy, and the flavors haven't been as interesting as they once were. There was a time when I'd happily drive a half hour out of my way to get ice cream here, but now I rarely go unless I'm in the area.
Nathan Tu July 15, 2022
I got the blueberry cheesecake flavor. It was great, but the portions were smaller than I expected.
Stephanie Klisz July 10, 2022
If you are looking to book a cute, vintage ice cream truck for your event, look no further. Reasons To Be Cheerful has a wonderful ice cream truck called the Chillwagon, and it was a huge hit at our wedding. The owner, Phil, was wonderful and great to work with. Our guests loved them and I feel like the ice cream truck pulling up on the lawn of our venue at the end of dinner was a moment our guests will really remember! The ice cream is delicious, too. They were hands down my favorite vendor at my wedding and I am so glad we had them there!
Stephanie Knotts July 10, 2022
If you are looking to book a cute, vintage ice cream truck for your event, look no further. Reasons To Be Cheerful has a wonderful ice cream truck called the Chillwagon, and it was a huge hit at our wedding. The owner, Phil, was wonderful and great to work with. Our guests loved them and I feel like the ice cream truck pulling up on the lawn of our venue at the end of dinner was a moment our guests will really remember! The ice cream is delicious, too. They were hands down my favorite vendor at my wedding and I am so glad we had them there!
Donna Halper July 8, 2022
One of the many reasons I'm glad the pandemic is in the rear-view mirror is I can get out to some of my favorite ice cream places. And if you're like me and you enjoy home-made ice cream (in unique flavors), you'll want to make a trip to Concord and stop at Reasons to Be Cheerful. I'm a big fan of the Coffee Heath, and the Maple is wonderful, but there's always something new to try. Friendly servers, and you can take out or eat in-- there's a charming little dining area in the rear; it has a statue of a cow (of course), and art-work on the walls. There's never a bad time for an ice cream, and I really enjoy having that ice cream at Reasons to Be Cheerful.
Amy C. June 21, 2022
Staff was friendly and attentive. Offered suggestions while we were debating. Ice cream was smooth, coffee ice cream had a good flavor. Super cute shop.
Marcia Sadlow June 11, 2022
Many flavors and toppings to choose from. Can make whatever flavor into soft serve. I thought the ice cream was good and prices were reasonable.
Roberta R. June 1, 2022
Delicious every time. Good selection of products. It would be great if the on line ordering was easier to use and the sign board outside were expanded to...
E T May 30, 2022
We got the So Simple ice cream cake for a birthday. It is SO DELICIOUS. I cannot stop eating it! The ice cream is smooth and creamy, and the fudge and jimmies filling and topping are the perfect amount to complement the ice cream without making the cake into a sundae. I cannot wait to try the other ice cream cake flavors!
Jack OConnor May 22, 2022
Very quaint ice cream shop. Lots of interesting flavors of ice cream, sorbet, frozen yogurt. All the topping that your heart desires. Eat in or take out. Worth the visit.
Owl H. November 11, 2021
Wonderful ice-cream shop and a pleasure to visit. Variety of flavors.
Sightseeing Sociologist November 5, 2021
I was very cheerful after my visit to Reasons To Be Cheerful on Halloween afternoon. Delicious selections. Friendly staff.
Samara Brkich October 27, 2021
Such a wonderful buying experience with this shop! I’m not local , but I did order online. The owner is so lovely and sweet! I definitely recommend buying from here. ❤️
Brian Busch September 19, 2021
Tasty ice cream served by helpful staff in a convenient location. So many reasons to be cheerful!
Jill Stewart August 31, 2021
To satisfy your sweet cravings come here!
Keenan Brock August 20, 2021
Good ice cream. open year round. Had lots of other sweets but I mostly look for the ice cream.
Amrith Kumar August 12, 2021
everytime I go here, I am very cheerful. It must be something to do with their salted caramel. I appreciate that all the staff wear masks, and gloves, and encourage patrons to do the same - not all do :(
Mara Horowitz August 11, 2021
Delightful little place in West Concord serves a wide variety of homemade flavors. If you prefer your ice cream softer, they'll put it in their swirly machine. Lots of toppings and success too. Highly recommend.
Derek Rodenbeck July 18, 2021
My wife and I are thinking of moving to the area and this store could be the reason why we end up in this location.
In other words— she loved it. It’s bigger than it appears, and there is a wild selection of top quality foods.
Would highly recommend checking the store out. It has a lot to offer!! Kind workers too!!
Les Sterman July 16, 2021
Stupid name, but good ice cream and good service.
Theo Collins May 2, 2021
can y’all not close at seven i don’t wanna eat dinner at 6 just so i can have the sweet sweet creamy ice
H March 21, 2021
Ice cream was great.
Ruth Benyo March 20, 2021
I love reasons to be cheerful, they have good ice cream, good service, nice people and fun flavours!
Lorik Bogdani December 31, 2020
Best unusual ice cream selection ever. I adore the rosewater flavor. They stock more traditional flavors as well if you're less adventurous. The bottled sodas are fun but the flavors weren't up my alley...though I have been told they are an acquired taste and my friend from the Middle East thought they were fantastic. The staff can be hit and miss though they are mostly really kind and attentive - I did run into one staff person once who was less than enjoyable, but that appears to have been the exception to the rule. There is parking but seating is limited. This is a great late night spot if you are looking for a sweet nightcap.
Herschel B. December 31, 2020
A real treat. we are fortunate to have the Reasons not only in the community. A real asset which adds to the quality of life in West Concord.
Marie N. December 14, 2020
Best cookie dough ice cream ever. Amazing dough to ice cream ratio. At first glance, the base doesn't look vanilla but it is and it's perfectly creamy and...
K Twinkel December 5, 2020
Very good ice cream. Many flavors to choose from. One scoop is a lot of ice cream, about 6 ounces.
Katie Ring November 24, 2020
What an amazing shop to have right in Concord! What I love most is that the owner seeks out woman-owned businesses and artisans for gifts that are so unique.
Amanda Kiefer November 1, 2020
Cute local spot! The ice cream is great and they have many unique flavors. The frappes and soft serve are great. Servers are super friendly. Overall a great experience!!!!
Lev Lysyj November 1, 2020
Fantastic service, super cute ;)
Sharrun N. October 25, 2020
I haven't been here in years, and I was so happy to have a chance to go back. There was a special ice cream I tried; black cherry cheesecake. I usually go...
Nathaniel Cassidy August 21, 2020
Great homemade ice cream! Lovely full store!
Michelle Klieger August 16, 2020
Great ice cream. New family favorite. Not outside seating
Maggie D. November 14, 2019
amazing service and delicious ice cream! The employee Adam lifted my spirits and literally is so so cheerful!!! So helpful with choosing and over an...
Thomas Amoroso August 29, 2019
Tasty ice cream served by pleasant folks, who are willing to improvise. My kid likes plain (no chocolate chips) strawberry ice cream. On the day in question, there was none. Staff made some using strawberries and vanilla ice cream (and the cool mix-in machine that can make soft-serve out of any flavor(s) you want, om nom). Boy was thrilled. Well done them!
Samantha Green August 10, 2019
This was my first time here and wasn't expecting to get anything myself because I don't eat dairy.. and I had made peace with the fact that I was going to watch my kids eat ice cream while I sipped my tea.. but guess what??? Non-dairy birthday cake flavor, non dairy black raspberry, AND non dairy cookies and [no] cream! I was so excited! I WILL be back here.
Gaurav Khanna March 2, 2019
Lovely neighborhood ice cream place with a delicious ice cream!
Nancy D'Amato February 9, 2019
A great local small-business! Very unique items for gifts, home, or just because! My kids *love* browsing whenever we are in West Concord and often save their allowance to buy treats. The staff is always so friendly--a warm greeting when you walk in and they are always willing to answer questions about the items in the store, but also leave you alone to just browse as long as you like.
Elizabeth Frank December 10, 2018
Beautiful, fun store with so many unique gifts, including lots of locally-crafted products! I love coming in just to look around, as the store is lovely and there are always new and creative items. I often go to get a present for someone else and end up with something for myself too!
Michael Iveson August 21, 2018
Bumping little ice cream joint. Large scoops on tiny cones. great flavor and not too sweet. They also have amazing and huge cookies. I think they also have a thing for cereal as there were options for cereal to be mixed into your ice cream and they had a corn flakes and marshmallow cookie.
Dan P. May 23, 2018
All the neighborhood kids and families seem to love this place. Friendly service, they work with local groups like the girl scouts.
When we go, there is...