Roll’d Sweets | By Pan McCaslin

Addison Martin and Jenson Weaver

Roll’d Sweets: A Dream Come True By Pan McCaslin

“It was always a dream of mine to own a food truck,” shared Addison Martin, owner of Roll’d Sweets, a new mobile business offering rolled ice cream treats in the High Country. Growing up in a family-owned business, Martin stated, “I started working at age 14 in the Mast Store Annex in Valle Crucis working in the candy section. I learned customer skills, managing inventory and I learned I really liked working with customers.”

Currently pursuing her business degree from Appalachian State University, Martin balances studies and running the rolled ice cream truck five days a week. “In high school, I did an internship with The Mast General Store where I worked in different departments, from maintenance, to stocking shelves. My purpose was to learn how a business operates.” Today, that experience is foundational as Martin embarks on her own familyowned business.

Knowing she wanted to own a food truck, Martin kept an eye out for a used one and in 2020 was able to purchase one from the owner of All Thai’d Up, which had also offered rolled ice cream in the area. During the pandemic, Martin, along with family and friends, refurbished and outfitted the black trailer that is now seen in Banner Elk, around Boone, and on Friday nights at the Valle Crucis Music in the Park.

Rolled, or stir-fried ice cream, is a national delight. The process is similar to stir fry for food, but instead a frozen surface is used. “We make the ice cream base and people can pick what flavors or extras we add,” explained Martin. The liquid base is poured onto the frozen surface and then, using metal scrapers, the frozen base is chopped, mixed, spread and rolled as customers watch. After the ice cream is shaped into rolls, it is placed in cups with toppings added. Menu selections include items like Strawberry, S’mores, Cinnamon toast crunch, or Mint Oreo. Vegan options are also available.

“This has been a great learning experience, from creating a website, logo, and utilizing social media to letting people know about the flavors for the week and where we will be located,” said Martin. “I have been fortunate to have help and support from many people.” One person who has been involved since the beginning is Jenson Weaver, who is likely to be working beside Martin rolling ice cream.

When asked what has been the most difficult aspect of becoming an entrepreneur, Martin shook her head. “I’ve had to learn to be patient and realistic. I’ve had to learn to ask for help from tax professionals, my family, and to always be planning ahead.” Martin is utilizing social media to help spread the word about Roll’d Sweets and the flexibility she has in bringing the food truck to different venues. “We’ve done private gatherings, as well as had a presence at the July 4th celebration in Boone.” They are a regular at the Friday night Valle Crucis Music in the Park events, the High Country Square in Banner Elk, and Peabody’s Wine and Beer Merchants. Recently, they have added rice crispy cakes, with plans to add more sweets to the menu.

When asked about the future, Martin smiled and shared, “My short term goal is to clear my expenses. My long term goals include adding another trailer or finding a permanent location. In addition, I want to be able to give back to the community. I want to pair with campus organizations and non-profits to help host give-back nights.”

When talking about her end product and its unique offering, Martin remarked, “Rolled ice cream, done well, is an art. It takes time, and so sometimes there is a line outside the trailer. We work as quickly as we can, but we want each customer to have an artfully crafted, delicious, rolled ice cream.”

Follow Roll’d Sweets at https://www.rolldsweets. com or on Facebook or Instagram @rolldsweets to find weekly locations and hours.

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