Business & Tech

Sales Surging at Grandpa's Ice Cream Shop

This summer, sales at Grandpa's Homemade Premium Ice Cream shop are surging-and it's not just because of the hot weather.
The Fridley business, now in its eighth season, is reaping the benefits of word-of-mouth advertising and a growing Internet presence, according to Kathy Simmons, co-owner with her husband Mick.  
"Facebook and the web have been amazing," Simmons told Fridley Patch, noting her business has nearly 800 followers on its Facebook page. 
Grandpa's Ice Cream is also getting a boost for a first this year: Selling its ice cream at three area farmers' markets.
The Simmons sell from a trailer at farmers' markets in Shoreview, Rogers and Chisago City on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, respectively.
All things considered,  sales are up about 25 percent at Grandpa's Ice Cream this  year compared to the same period a year ago, Simmons said. 
In an age of standardization and homogenization, Grandpa's Ice Cream is a mom-and-pop shop where the Simmons hand pack their 32 different varieties of ice cream, including cookie dough, black licorice, lime basil sorbet, Birthday Cake, low calorie chocolate and maple nut. 
Every July, Kathy Simmons creates a mystery flavor of the week in honor of this  being National Ice Cream Month. (This coming Sunday, July 21, is National Ice Cream Day).
The shop, 1258 East Moore Lake Drive, also sells malts ands shakes, sundaes, coffee, tea, smoothies and a small assortment of bakery items.
The store is open from 2 to 9 p.m. daily from April 1 until usually about Nov. 15.. 
Although the shop initially struggled through its early days with a slumping national economy, business is now robust, Simmons said. 
"I've always wanted to open my own business," Simmons said. "I regret not doing this sooner. There is nothing like being your own boss."
Asked why an ice cream shop, Simmons said, "The smiles on kids' faces."
 


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