Two sisters. One dream. Sarah Jess and Sandra Miller are serving up delicious flavors in this family-owned business. The Ice Cream Parlor opened its doors just over a year ago. It is located inside the charming building known as Creamery on Main in downtown Middlebury.
Originally, the space allotted to The Ice Cream Parlor was one large room. Renovating the interior of The Ice Cream Parlor became a family affair. The green wall is the backdrop and focal point.
“My sister and I did most of the build ourselves. Our brother came and helped with the wall. We painted everything and did all the drywall work ourselves,” Sarah Jess says.
Talent runs in the family. The striking wooden tables and chairs inside The Ice Cream Parlor were also handmade by Jess family members.
Sarah Jess is the ingenious mastermind behind the unique combinations found inside the glass showcase. Check out the chalkboard sign adorned with Jess’ artistic flair revealing the flavor of the month.
“We try to have something new every month. I am a foodie. I love creating things,” Jess says. Cookies & Cream Extreme and Black Raspberry are a few fan favorites.
Sandra Miller is the silent partner of the operation. She prefers to manage all the behind-the-scenes and crucial details and paperwork, according to Jess.
“We’re all entrepreneurs. My parents. My brothers and sisters and I, we all own our own businesses,” she says.
What sets The Ice Cream Parlor apart from other dairy establishments is their base ingredient. Real cream. Minimal processing. Exquisite taste.
The ice cream is fashioned by Crystal Springs Creamery in Osceola.
“We wanted to do local. We wanted it freshly made. We wanted the quality to matter,” Jess says.
The Ice Cream Parlor also carries Yoder Springs Southern Creamery dairy-free options.
“We wanted to include everyone. Dairy-free, vegan and gluten-free. We have it all,” she says.
From homemade specialty waffle cones to creamy milkshakes, The Ice Cream Parlor offers a variety of indulgences. The waffle cones are the ideal edible container to fill with soft-serve or hand-dipped ice cream.
For birthday parties, weddings or office parties, The Ice Cream Parlor can supply your sweet treat needs. Enjoy your festivities inside the building or ask about their private events.
“We have small to-go containers we will fill with any flavor. A lot of people offer only soft-serve for these events, but we do our hand-dipped ice cream as well,” Jess says.
Choose multiple flavors or just one, and The Ice Cream Parlor will customize the order for the occasion. Contact the Ice Cream Parlor for more details regarding private events.
For the undecided customers, try a flight of ice cream. The flight consists of four scoops of your choice of ice cream. The Ice Cream Parlor’s mini-cone flights are perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth with a little crunch.
With the help of the vibrant personalities of her team, Jess has built a welcoming atmosphere inside The Ice Cream Parlor. Korie, Claire, Esther and Kenzie all take part in serving up the frozen confections.
“You can have a good product, but food can only be so good. Ice cream can only be so good. Customers will remember the customer service more than the food sometimes,” Jess says. “I have a great team.”
In the Amish community, customers often speak Dutch. Jess also speaks fluent Dutch. Growing up in the area helped establish her deep faith and love for the people, while traveling frequently with her family’s businesses helped establish her entrepreneurial skills.
“Within the next year, we would love to become more mobile out in the community. Maybe an ice cream truck where we could set up at your special event,” Jess says.
Until then, Jess is loving the life she lives in the area she calls home.
“We definitely believe that creating a faith-based environment is important. That’s why Middlebury is such a good spot. It’s a tight-knit community,” she says. “I just love it.”
The Ice Cream Parlor sits against the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail, which travels from Shipshewana to Goshen. The Pumpkinvine Nature Trail and The Ice Cream Parlor are open all year. During hikes or bike rides, travelers can pause for a refreshing treat inside the building. Before exiting the premises, travel up through the silo to the lookout point and gaze out into the heart of Middlebury.
The Ice Cream Parlor is located at 335 N. Main St. in Middlebury. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays from noon to 8 p.m. Closed on Sundays.
Contact The Ice Cream Parlor at 574-368-6778 or via email: theicecreamparlor24@gmail.com and visit them online at creameryonmain.com/ice-cream-parlor.
