The Unlikely Kiwi Conquest of Hollywood: A Scoop of Resilience and Innovation
Walking down Hollywood Boulevard, you’re bombarded by the glitz of the Walk of Fame, the buzz of Jimmy Kimmel’s studios, and the iconic Dolby Theatre looming overhead. But nestled among this spectacle is something far more intriguing—a Kiwi ice cream shop, Hokey Pokey LA, serving up New Zealand flavors to celebrities and tourists alike. What makes this particularly fascinating is how three brothers from Hawke’s Bay managed to turn a pandemic pivot into a Hollywood success story.
From Music Dreams to Ice Cream Schemes
The Chalmers brothers initially came to the U.S. as a band, chasing the classic dream of making it big in music. Personally, I think this backstory adds a layer of resilience to their story. When COVID-19 derailed their plans, they didn’t just pack up and go home—they reinvented themselves. With backgrounds in high-end restaurants, they stumbled into the ice cream business almost by accident. Bud Chalmers, one of the brothers, started experimenting with flavors, and soon they were crafting upscale soft serve with a Kiwi twist.
What many people don’t realize is how much risk is involved in such a pivot. Funding the project themselves, they opened their first store in Century City, a premier LA mall. The immediate success—lines out the door, visits from Leonardo DiCaprio—feels almost serendipitous. But if you take a step back and think about it, it’s a testament to their understanding of what LA craves: authenticity with a touch of novelty.
Hollywood’s Sweetest Underdog Story
Opening a second store near the Dolby Theatre, the heart of Hollywood, feels like a plot twist even they didn’t see coming. Bud Chalmers’s reflection on this—“How did we end up here?”—captures the surreal nature of their journey. Serving half a million scoops a year, including deliveries to Jennifer Aniston’s house, they’ve become a fixture in LA’s food scene.
But what this really suggests is that success in Hollywood isn’t just about being in the right place at the right time. It’s about bringing something unique to the table—or in this case, the cone. Their version of hokey pokey ice cream isn’t just a flavor; it’s a cultural export, a taste of New Zealand in the land of stars.
Battling Rising Costs with DIY Ingenuity
Operating in the U.S. hasn’t been without challenges. Trump’s tariffs and global conflicts have driven up ingredient costs, a struggle every food business faces. But here’s where the Chalmers brothers’ story gets even more compelling: they’re fighting back with ingenuity. Bud makes golden syrup and chocolate paste from scratch, stabilizing costs and maintaining quality.
This raises a deeper question: How many businesses would go to such lengths to survive? Their 15-to-19-hour workdays are a testament to their dedication, but also to the harsh realities of running a small business in a high-cost market. From my perspective, this DIY approach isn’t just cost-saving—it’s a statement of pride in their craft.
The Broader Implications: Kiwi Culture Goes Global
Hokey Pokey LA isn’t just an ice cream shop; it’s a cultural ambassador. In a city obsessed with trends, they’ve managed to carve out a niche by staying true to their roots. This success story challenges the notion that only big chains can thrive in competitive markets.
One thing that immediately stands out is how they’ve turned adversity into opportunity. COVID-19 could have been their downfall, but instead, it became their catalyst. This resilience is a lesson for any entrepreneur: sometimes, the best ideas come from unexpected detours.
What’s Next? America, Here They Come
The brothers’ ambition doesn’t stop at two stores. They’re eyeing a third and, eventually, a nationwide expansion. Personally, I think this is more than just business growth—it’s a cultural movement. New Zealand-style ice cream could become as synonymous with LA as tacos or avocado toast.
But here’s the kicker: their success isn’t just about ice cream. It’s about the power of authenticity, hard work, and a willingness to adapt. In a world where trends come and go, Hokey Pokey LA feels like something that could stick around for the long haul.
Final Scoop: A Sweet Takeaway
If there’s one thing this story teaches us, it’s that success often comes from blending passion with practicality. The Chalmers brothers didn’t just follow their dreams—they reinvented them. As I reflect on their journey, I’m reminded that sometimes, the most unexpected paths lead to the sweetest destinations.
So, the next time you’re in LA, skip the tourist traps and head to Hokey Pokey. It’s not just ice cream—it’s a story, a struggle, and a triumph, all in one scoop.
