Sounds like it's official - I went to look online about the progress of the new home of Chris's at the historic Starkey School building as revealed to me by the owner when I met her when I came in for custard a couple months ago while I was in the area. Read my review - EXCEPTIONAL HOMEMADE CREAMY DREAMY CUSTARD! The article I just read online seems to indicate plans for the shop and business relo are well underway! YAY for Chris's! See the article posted on July 15, 2025 here: https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2025/07/16/chriss-coffee-and-custard-to-move-to-new-location/ Their current building lease expires Aug 30 2025 (apparently sooner than the owners had expected). Anticipated opening date at the new location at Starkey School is January 2026! Very cool and exciting news!! CONGRATS AND BEST WISHES TO CHRIS'S! If the decor, ambiance and vibe of the new location is anything like the current location (and I'm told it will be, and so much more!), I can't wait to stop in when I'm in the area next after the new place opens! read more

See all

This is one of Roanoke's repurposed industrial buildings; it's a more interesting space than I would have guessed in advance and you can certainly hang around for a while. The other part that's notable is that this is a business that employs people with developmental disabilities. I surveyed the dessert options and ended up on a seasonal apple pie shake. With frozen custard as a base, it is a smooth shake. The apples didn't quite blend completely, but I wasn't particularly disappointed to have to eat a couple of cinnamon apple pieces at the end of my shake. Their food options are baked goods made in advance, and they do have almond milk for beverages, but I suspect the custard-based desserts are going to be the best offerings for my needs. It is the kind of place where when I offered thanks for my dessert, I got a reply of "my pleasure" and believed it. read more

Chris's Coffee & Custard - Apple pie shake - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Roanoke, Virginia

Today I went in search of Chris's Coffee & Custard, and in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by mountains. In a very well renovated industrial building, I found more than what I started looking for, I found not only a business with a highly altruistic mission and delicious food and drinks, I found a caring and supportive staff, making a difference in the lives of special developmental individuals. Work enriches the lives of everyone and provides an opportunity for the individual to develop his or hers special skills and talents. Individuals don't care about how much you know until they first know about how much you care. I was able to observe in this caring environment the power of believing in others and the wonder of genuinely caring for others, and the power of helping them grow and making use of their one of a kind talent. Chris's Coffee & Custard is a very unique Café dedicated to serving delicious coffee, freshly made custard, and tasty food items, while creating meaningful employment opportunities, and providing a space for friendship, growth., and develop to special needs individuals. I once read a story about a special needs young man who worked in a Supermarket as a bagger. His job was to fill the bags with people's food items and put these back into their shopping karts for them to take to their cars. One day the Manager of the Supermarket noticed that the line of the cashier where this individual worked extended all the way back, while the others were very short. He encouraged the customers to move over to the other least frequented lines, so they could finish quicker, but none wanted to move. They told the Manager that they would prefer remaining where they were and waiting. To make the story short it was later discover that the reason for this was that the special needs employee would write little encouraging notes, bring them with him to work, and would place a note in one of the bags of every customer he served. The customers really appreciated this warm gesture and that was the reason they preferred staying in his line. When I arrived at this Café today, I was very impressed by the cleanliness of the place and the very nice interior design and inspirational items decorating its surroundings. As I approached to the ordering counter I was warmly greeted by a friendly lady who showed me the large menus on the wall and took my order. To drink I ordered a Sweet Tea. And to eat I ordered a Hot Ham and Cheese Croissant with a bag of Chips. And for dessert I ordered the Daddy's Boy item from the Custard Specials menu. My order taker and server brought the food to my table at the appropriate timing. I got the opportunity of meeting some of the staff and members of the program. Watching how well they made the Custards and interacted with the customers. Many customers came in to support them and enjoy a delicious treat and wonderful dining experience with family or friends. The ambiance was warm and friendly. The food and sweet desserts were amazingly delicious. Clearly one felt at home in this place. I highly recommend everyone reading this review and viewing my photographs of the place to definitely visit the place, enjoy the great comfort food, and support the very significant program and the wonderful group of people who created it. Not only will you receive an extraordinary dining experience, but you will be supporting a great cause, and making a difference in the lives of others, by showing that you care. read more

See all

The entire premise of this business is amazing to start with. I love their mission and values! Beyond that though, the service is impeccable. The staff are so friendly and kind, every single one of them. The coffee is great, the custard is great, haven't had anything that wasn't. There is plenty of seating indoors and a little outside too. It's very comfortable inside, and they have some games. It's a nice vibe. They only thing I'd like to see different is more sugar free options. My husband is diabetic and there are not a lot of options for that's however there are so sweet to help us figure out the exact carbs in anything he's ever ordered. I'd definitely recommend this restaurant! It's one of our favorites!! read more

Can't say enough good things about this sweet place! They have a great selection of coffees, many fresh baked goodies, and are one of the very few places that serve custard here! They also have a small lunch menu that I'll have to go back to try! I highly recommend their lattes and cappuccinos, and their berry smoothie was also incredible. They also have a featured drink where you can get a picture printed on the foam on your drink!?! So cool! Great place to sit and relax with family or friends & quiet place to get work done. They also have a conference room available to book. Their mission is incredible, and I'm so thankful to have them here in my hometown. read more

See all

Delicious!! I could eat it everyday, good thing it's not next door. The custard is so creamy and filling and the staff is always so nice and welcoming. read more

This is a fun surprise to visit, once I figured out where it was. It is hidden in an industrial looking area and so glad I found it. If traveling on the Roanoke River Greenway, hop off at the 9th Street bridge, cross the bridge and just ahead on your right is just what is needed to cool off, hydrate and get caffeinated on your long run or ride. The coffee is roasted fresh there, they can even grind the whole beans. The smell makes you want a cup of coffee as soon as you go in. The custard is nice and creamy with subtle yet full flavor. The waffle cones are soft yet crisp and not the brittle ones that feel like shards cutting your lips as some can. The Gobs is quite the commitment, but a tasty one and a bonus is that you get to pick the cookie and ice cream flavor. It's always fun to create your own treat. read more

See all

Four and a half stars, actually, because the custard was not the frozen custard I'm used to, though it does have a lovely flavor. The coffee is really excellent, with a unique rich flavor. I've been in here several times and have never been disappointed in their service. In fact, they've even created a drink for me - I asked for an iced mocha with two pup scoops (fortunately without the usual milkbones). It was just delicious. And their coffee milkshake should be declared a sin, it's so unbelievably good. There is always a wonderful variety of drinks and treats, with several specials posted. I'm impressed and very moved by their mission, too. Highly recommended! Bathroom report: Very clean! read more

Great atmosphere. Excellent service. And truly amazing custard!! Make this a spot to visit frequently.

Remarkable place! Nice restaurant, good food, kind staff, and very clean. Highly recommended for breakfast or lunch located at 1824 9th St. S.E. Roanoke, VA. read more

Excellent custard, sundaes, and service. Very nice place, right off the Greenway at the 9th Street bridge.

Lovely atmosphere, amazing workers, awesome mission statement :) Chris is always a sweetheart

Great old fashioned frozen custard! Not soft serve. Helpful and friendly staff. Huge ice cream selection.

Delicious custard but what keeps us coming back is the personal customer service and spirit that Chris and other employees have. You'll always leave with a smile! read more

Chris's Coffee & Custard - The Chris's deluxe - Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Near Me - Roanoke, Virginia

This has nothing to do with food. I'm up set because it was closed. This has happened to me twice. I don't see a change in the hours posted anywhere. Today they were leaving in their ice cream truck. I love more than 4 miles away and this is a special trip. I guess you have to call and see if Someone will be in the building. read more

The best ice cream & I LOVE this family!!!!! Chris is so sweet. They come to my work once a month to give ice cream to seniors.

Almost didn't try this place, was trying to eat healthy and it was a cold day. So glad I decided to go, because it was worth every bite. And custard is healthier than ice cream. First your greeting by quiet young, shy person, that just made me smile. Then I lucked out, because they had one of my favorite flavors, mint custard, which was great. On the way out I heard a chorus of good byes and thank yous. Definiately worth a stop if you're every in Roanoke. read more

Such a lovely shop and wonderful staff! Plenty of parking. Right off the greenway. I had a White Chocolate Raspberry latte that was excellent! Highly recommend as a place to meet friends or co- workers. read more

Tried this place for the first time and beyond impressed! Stopped in for a custard, but the coffees looked so good I had to get an espresso too. The espresso was strong and flavorful and the Vanilla custard was creamy and delicious! They have lots of space to spread out and work over coffee, and the baked goods looked great too! The owner and her family were wonderful and told us everything about the menu and their processes, will definitely be coming back!! read more

Tried Chris's for the first time for lunch. Excellent service, polite and helpful staff who thanked us for coming in. Their croissants are light and buttery and provided a delicious sandwich bread. Their selection of sandwiches fits anyones tastes. We can't wait to go back to try their milkshakes, custard and coffee. Awesome seating area inside and out. read more

Spent a great morning hanging out here with coffee, cocoa, and our one year old. The space and the people are really welcoming, especially for little ones. The magnetic letter board and the space to toddle around were a hit. We adults enjoyed our drinks and appreciated the warmth and attentiveness of the staff. Will return! read more

Chriss is a very good place . The staff are extremely friendly and nice . They accept dogs which is a very pleasant experience. I took my pittbull to get a cooper's pup cup (vanilla custard and a milk bone) my dog enjoyed it very much . The staff wanted to pet him and give him attention . My overall thoughts of chriss is im giving them 5 out of 5 WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND. definitely going back read more

Cute spot but very expensive. Also pretty sure this is not custard. The difference between custard and ice cream is the amount of fat vs air. This was pretty airy, real custard has more fat, almost like you can chew it. I'd come back but not for the custard read more

The selfie cappuccinos are so cute !! The customer service is superb. We bring all of our out of town guests here. The spinach feta is another must try ! The neighborhood makes you think you're in the wrong place but you're not ;) definite repeat customer here ! read more

Stopped in here for a chicken melt sandwich, cold brew, and Mommy's Boy (vanilla custard+PB cups in a waffle bowl) and visit with my friends. I brought my service dog in training, who decided to get barky. Under normal circumstances, I would have had to abandon food and social time and leave, because she was being disruptive. But the owner very generously and kindly let my friends and I sit in the back room so I could get my SDiT under control (which happened eventually) without disrupting others. I cannot express how much of a kindness this was- she can only learn public access skills by doing them, and this granted her the opportunity to learn some basics (and test some of her other skills). In addition, every single staff member was kind, attentive, and patient- I was frazzled and deeply appreciated their genuine niceness. And of course, the noms! the custard was delightful. I will definitely be treating myself to the occasional pint! The chicken salad melt was absolute comfort food- warm, gooey, with plenty of flavor. And the cold brew was smooth and delicious (kudos to the barista for giving me a splash of oat milk in mine). And lastly, the pup cup! My 6 month old SDiT loved hers (vanilla custard with a tiny Milkbone on top) and will need one every time I come back, I'm sure. The ambience is casual, clean, and comfortable- as any great coffee place should be- and I definitely will be returning. Hopefully with a better behaved dog (she's getting there, it just takes time and practice), but if weather permits there's always the semi-shaded patio area. I highly recommend this hidden gem! read more

Service is amazing, smoothies are so good! Nice atmosphere and relaxing . One of the cleanest facilities I have ever seen in Roanoke Virginia!! read more

Absolutely the best! Everyone was extremely friendly, polite, excellent service. The custard is amazing, the best I've had. They make their waffle cones in house too! I didn't try the other food or coffee, but they have a great selection and options for breakfast/lunch too! The place is super clean and looks great. read more

Fabulous coffee, custard and chicken salad!! We go every time we are nearby! Highly recommend!!

I was looking forward to trying this new place, heard good things. My experience though was really bad and I was very disappointed by the way I was treated here. I walked in alone, no other customers were inside; a young woman was at the register. I was friendly, dressed well. No one greeted me even when I said it was my first visit, hoping to break the "ice". Shortly after I began to approach the counter to see the menu, a woman came out, did not acknowledge me (again, I'm the only customer in there), posted herself strangely at the end of the counter closest to me, gripping the counter edge the whole time. It was a bit ridiculous and strange. But wait, there's more: Right after that, not one, not two, but three young women came from the back at the same time and stood behind the counter; they all watched me. It was very uncomfortable! Five of them and one of me, for one order. So I began to talk to one trying to decide what I wanted, she just looked me right in the face, but would not respond, although she had just been talking to the others. So, the cashier calls down to me that I needed to place my order with her. Well, no one told me that. So I walked 4 steps to the register to place my order after having to ask her questions about how to order. Nothing was volunteered. What kind of new business treats a customer that way? It was awful, and unbelievable especially with all the good reviews I'm seeing. The unwelcoming behavior that I experienced was like they were saying "Get out!". It was clear that, for whatever mysterious reason, my money and business was not welcome there. Will take it elsewhere. read more