New Zealand Brothers Serve Celebrity-Favorite Kiwi-Style Ice Cream in LA
- Three brothers from Napier, New Zealand, have carved out a niche in Los Angeles by serving a beloved Kiwi treat—hokey pokey ice cream—to some of Hollywood’s biggest stars.
- The brothers’ journey from small-town New Zealand to the heart of Hollywood is as much about their shared love for music as This proves about ice cream.
- Hokey pokey, a flavor invented in New Zealand in 1953, is the signature offering at the brothers’ two Los Angeles locations.
From Napier to Hollywood: Kiwi Brothers Serve Hokey Pokey Ice Cream to A-List Celebrities
Three brothers from Napier, New Zealand, have carved out a niche in Los Angeles by serving a beloved Kiwi treat—hokey pokey ice cream—to some of Hollywood’s biggest stars. Bud, Dhyan, and Anand Chalmers, the siblings behind Hokey Pokey LA, have turned their childhood passion for dairy into a thriving business, attracting celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio, Sandra Bullock, and Lenny Kravitz to their boutique ice cream shops.
The brothers’ journey from small-town New Zealand to the heart of Hollywood is as much about their shared love for music as This proves about ice cream. Before launching their business, the Chalmers siblings toured North America as members of their band, Emperors Night. Their musical background, combined with a deep appreciation for New Zealand’s culinary culture, laid the foundation for their unexpected success in the U.S.
The Birth of Hokey Pokey LA
Hokey pokey, a flavor invented in New Zealand in 1953, is the signature offering at the brothers’ two Los Angeles locations. The treat features a light, crunchy golden toffee blended into creamy soft serve, a combination that has become a national favorite in their home country. At Hokey Pokey LA, the brothers have put their own spin on the classic, using premium Californian dairy (or a non-dairy alternative) to create a richer, creamier version of the traditional soft serve.
“Most people don’t know what New Zealand-style ice cream is, but they like New Zealand, so they step closer,” Bud Chalmers told the NZ Herald. The brothers’ shops, located in high-traffic areas like Hollywood Boulevard and Westfield Century City, have become a destination for both locals and tourists. A neon sign on the window proudly announces their Kiwi roots, drawing curiosity—and eventually, loyalty—from passersby.
The menu extends beyond hokey pokey, offering a variety of flavors made fresh in-store. Options include Hazelnut Hokey Pokey (hazelnut soft serve with roasted hazelnut toffee), Cherry Bomb (real cherries with a hint of Amarena cherry paste), and Espresso Deluxe (bold espresso soft serve topped with chocolate-coated almonds). Each flavor is blended to order, ensuring a unique texture that sets their product apart from traditional American soft serve.
A Taste of Home for Celebrities
The brothers’ shops have become a hotspot for celebrities seeking a taste of New Zealand. Leonardo DiCaprio and Sandra Bullock have both visited the Hollywood Boulevard location, while Lenny Kravitz reportedly tried the ice cream elsewhere and declared it “absolutely ridiculous”—a compliment the brothers have embraced.
“It’s surreal to see people like Leo and Sandra enjoying something we grew up with,” Dhyan Chalmers said. “We never imagined our childhood favorite would resonate so much with people here.” The brothers’ ability to recreate the flavors of home—while adding a touch of Californian flair—has struck a chord with Angelenos and visitors alike.
Beyond ice cream, the shops offer other Kiwi staples, including pavlova, flat white coffee, and Anzac biscuits. Vinyl records from artists like the Rolling Stones, Lorde, and Emperors Night line the shelves, adding to the nostalgic atmosphere. For the Chalmers brothers, the business is as much about sharing their culture as it is about serving dessert.
From Music to Ice Cream: The Brothers’ Unconventional Path
The Chalmers brothers’ journey to Los Angeles began in Hawke’s Bay, where they spent their childhood picking boysenberries and helping their mother make homemade ice cream. Their early love for dairy—Bud once listed whipped cream as his favorite food—evolved into a career in hospitality, with stints in high-end restaurants in Australia’s Noosa region.
However, music remained a central part of their lives. As Emperors Night, the brothers toured North America, playing gigs and immersing themselves in the local music scenes. When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted their touring plans, they pivoted to a new venture: bringing a slice of New Zealand to Los Angeles.
“We saw an opportunity to share something unique,” Anand Chalmers explained. “Hokey pokey is more than just ice cream to us—it’s a connection to home, to our family, and to the memories we grew up with.” Their decision to open Hokey Pokey LA was driven by a desire to introduce Americans to the flavors they loved while building a business that reflected their heritage.
The Future of Hokey Pokey LA
Since opening their first shop, the brothers have expanded to a second location and continue to experiment with new flavors and menu items. Their success has not gone unnoticed in the food industry, with features in outlets like KTLA highlighting their story and their product.
For now, the Chalmers brothers remain focused on growing their brand while staying true to their roots. “We want people to experience a little bit of New Zealand when they visit us,” Bud said. “Whether it’s through the ice cream, the music, or the vibe, we want them to feel like they’ve stepped into our world.”
As their shops continue to attract both celebrities and everyday customers, the brothers’ story serves as a reminder of how food—and a little bit of nostalgia—can bridge cultures and create unexpected connections. From Napier to Hollywood, hokey pokey has found its place in the spotlight.