3 Things Every Ice Cream Shop Needs
Running an ice cream parlor, especially in the summer, takes a lot of ice cream parlor supplies. Whether it's your first order or what seems like your millionth order, there are always a few key things that you will need to keep your business running as smoothly as possible. Read on for the most basic checklist you'll need --some may be obvious, but you would be surprised at what gets forgotten in the heat of summer.
Business Plan
One of the unique things about running an ice cream parlor is that your business will run differently depending on season and how harsh the seasonal weather is in your location. This is something a business plan will help you with. It can outline everything you'll need to run successfully throughout any season, as well as giving you an idea of what money you'll be spending.
Supplies
The average American consumes ice cream around 28.5 times every single year, and about 90% of households regularly indulge themselves. The NPD group reports, in fact, that in any two week period, 40% of Americans eat ice cream. This means that many of them will come to you to get their fix. In order to serve them, you'll need cups. You'll need cups of varying sizes to go along with demand, and throughout the summer you'll need them frequently. Also, many people will come through your business and want to try new or specialty flavors. But they won't want to pay full price for a small sample. Tasting spoons allow your consumers to taste new flavors before actually purchasing something. Tasting spoons are pretty much an expectation.
Network
This is the most important part of your business, and because certain times of year lead to an increased demand, you'll want to make sure you're ordering enough product well ahead of time so that you never run out. Most people in the industry recommend planning about two to three weeks ahead in the peak season. Building your network of area distributors and even other shops will help with this.
Are you thinking about opening an ice cream business anytime soon? What will be on your first product checklist? We would love to hear your thoughts!
How to Quickly Make Ice Cream Pies
Indulge your customers in the delightful world of ice cream pies with our simple yet scrumptious recipe! Adding ice cream pies to your menu is a fantastic way to elevate your ice cream store's offerings and attract a broader audience. To begin, gather your favorite ice cream flavors, ensuring a harmonious blend that will leave taste buds tingling. The process begins with a sturdy pie crust, whether store-bought or homemade, followed by a generous layer of your chosen ice cream. For a burst of flavor, consider incorporating toppings like crushed cookies, fudge sauce, or fruit compote. Freeze the pie until firm, allowing the flavors to meld together into a heavenly treat. Our step-by-step guide on how to make ice cream pies guarantees a delightful dessert that will have customers coming back for more. Surprise and delight your patrons with the irresistible charm of our ice cream pies, a surefire way to enhance the appeal of your ice cream shop!
Ingredients:
- 1 pre-made or homemade pie crust
- 1.5 quarts of your favorite ice cream flavors (mix and match for a unique twist)
- Toppings of your choice (crushed cookies, fudge sauce, whipped cream, nuts, or fruit)
Instructions:
- Allow the pie crust to come to room temperature if it's been refrigerated.
- Soften the ice cream slightly by letting it sit out for a few minutes.
- Spread a layer of one ice cream flavor onto the pie crust, smoothing it with a spatula.
- Add a layer of your chosen toppings for an extra burst of flavor.
- Repeat the process with additional layers, alternating ice cream flavors and toppings.
- Finish with a final layer of toppings for a visually appealing presentation.
- Cover the pie with plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for at least 4 hours or until it's firm.
- Once frozen, remove from the freezer a few minutes before serving to make slicing easier.
This easy-to-follow recipe ensures a delectable ice cream pie that is not only visually stunning but also a delightful treat for your customers. Experiment with different flavor combinations and toppings to create signature ice cream pies that set your store apart. Happy scooping!
Tips & Notes:
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Flavor Fusion: The key to a standout ice cream pie is the harmonious blending of flavors. Experiment with complementary ice cream flavors that create a delightful contrast. Whether it's combining classic favorites or introducing unexpected pairings, a thoughtful mix of flavors will elevate your ice cream pie to new heights.
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Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality ingredients for both the crust and the ice cream. A delicious pie starts with a good foundation, so choose a premium crust or make one from scratch using quality ingredients. Likewise, opt for premium ice cream with rich, natural flavors for a more satisfying and indulgent experience.
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Texture Play: Consider incorporating a variety of textures to add excitement to each bite. Layer crunchy elements like crushed cookies or nuts between creamy ice cream layers. This contrast in textures not only enhances the overall eating experience but also adds a dynamic element to your ice cream pie.
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Creative Toppings and Presentation: Elevate the visual appeal of your ice cream pie by adding creative toppings and paying attention to presentation. Drizzles of chocolate or caramel, a sprinkle of colorful toppings, or artfully arranged fresh fruit can make your ice cream pie visually enticing. A well-presented dessert not only satisfies the taste buds but also creates a memorable experience for your customers.
Supplies
The average American consumes ice cream around 28.5 times every single year, and about 90% of households regularly indulge themselves. The NPD Group reports, in fact, that in any two-week period, 40% of Americans eat ice cream. This means that many of them will come to you to get their fix. In order to serve them, you'll need eco-friendly cups. You'll need cups of varying sizes to go along with demand, and throughout the summer, you'll need them frequently. Also, many people will come through your business and want to try new or specialty flavors. But they won't want to pay full price for a small sample. Tasting spoons allow your consumers to taste new flavors before actually purchasing something. Tasting spoons are pretty much an expectation.
To add a touch of elegance and functionality to your ice cream servings, consider incorporating ice-cream spade spoons from Frozen Dessert Supplies. These slim, stylish spoons are perfect for enjoying ice cream and other frozen desserts, enhancing the overall experience for your customers.
