Point of Interest: One Scoop at a Time

Celebrate Summer with an Ice-cold Treat from The Creamery

By Haley Banwart | Photos by Joseph L. Murphy

Nothing beats the summer heat like your favorite ice cream treat.

Ice cream parlors are small-town staples that are found in every corner of the state. In Polk City, entrepreneurs Joe and Ashley Fandel recently opened a cozy establishment called The Creamery.

“Opening an ice cream shop was a lifelong dream we shared as a family,” Joe says. “We always loved going out for ice cream together, and we joked about having a store of our own.”

After putting down roots in Johnston with their four children, the Fandel’s vision slowly came to life when they found the perfect location for their startup in nearby Polk City.

Pictured from left, Lennon, Nellie, Joe, Holden, Ashley and Sawyer Fandel.

Conveniently located on the town’s historic square, the brick building Joe and Ashley set their sights on had potential, despite its various states of disrepair. The vacant structure had formerly operated as a gas station, boutique and art studio before its most recent history as an auto detailing service.

Willing to look past the imperfections, the couple took a leap of faith to turn their dream into a reality.

LABOR OF LOVE

In the spring of 2018, renovations began, working from the inside out.

“We wanted to keep as much of the original character of the building as possible and pour some love back into the property rather than bulldoze it down,” Ashley says. “We put our blood, sweat and tears into the project.”

The transformation from rustic auto shop to charming ice cream parlor wasn’t easy. The couple didn’t have a remodeling background, so they worked many late nights and learned along the way.

A PLACE TO GATHER

The finishing touches were completed in time for The Creamery’s grand opening June 17, 2019. “When we opened, we just hoped someone would show up,” Ashley says. “We didn’t expect to receive the outpouring of community support.”

The couple says the shop has become part of the special smalltown atmosphere. It’s a place where families can meet after church or kids can ride their bikes to buy a scoop with their ice cream money.

Hard pack and soft serve ice cream along with frozen yogurt are among the sweet treats featured at The Creamery, all sourced from local dairies and vendors across the state. Banana pudding or blueberry cheesecake are popular premium hard pack flavors. Each treat can be enjoyed plain or paired with a fun menu of mix-ins and toppings.

Ashley adds, “When you go out for ice cream, you go for happiness. It’s fulfilling to bring that experience to the community and create a place for friends and families to gather.”

Photo courtesy of Jill Austin Photography.

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