Boba, Ice Cream Shop Coming Soon To Downtown Pleasanton

PLEASANTON, CA — A new sweets shop plans to open in downtown Pleasanton by the first week of February. MuM MuM Boba Ice Cream & Snacks plans to dole out ice cream macaroons, soft serve ice cream, mochi ice cream (ice cream wrapped in a layer of sweet rice dough), and milk teas with boba, or tapioca balls that float in the sweet drinks.

Soft serve ice cream flavors will include lavender and a black rose-flavored ice cream, inspired by a rare black Turkish rose, said Angel Ahalim, who co-owns the business with husband Shadi Ahalim.

The Ahalims are trying to perfect a recipe for booza, a Turkish ice cream that stretches like gum, for customers, she said. MuM MuM eventually plans to serve snacks — possibly something savory — but wants to see what customers are liking best after the store's soft opening, she said.

Ahalim wants to make MuM MuM a hangout spot, with free WiFi and charger stations.

"It'll be the new Starbucks," she said, especially on hot summer nights.

MuM MuM's logo features a cartoon version of the Ahalim's 18-month-old son. The business name is also inspired by him, Ahalim said. When they ask him if he's hungry and show him an ice cream, he says "mum mum," she said.

Ahalim said she has always loved the downtown Pleasanton area, with its happy and positive atmosphere and bright lights. One night while having dinner downtown, she mused about how nice it would be to open a business there.

"I spoke it into existence," she said.

MuM MuM will open in the former Rita's site at 320 St. Mary's St. Call the store at 925-223-8685 or email the business at mummum94566@gmail.com.