By Chris Murphy
When you think kids, family fun and food, there is really one answer. You need to find a cool neighborhood place that is friendly and has what every kids likes, Ice Cream! Yes friends, if you have been on a soccer team, girl scout event, school play, little league baseball or a just a family fun night, then you need to go directly to the Ice Cream Company. These are the things our family grew up with and the memories are so good.
Fortunately Bonnie Acree also felt the same way, so when the Ice Cream Company was for sale, she bought it. Pleasantly ironic is that Bonnie is a dental hygienist and her husband is a dentist and they now owned an ice cream company. I say, this is perfect.
Along the way, she started seeing people in need that needed a good job, in particular her sister Diana. Some were from the Redwood Family Center and even refugees from Afghanistan. The jobs that she had were perfect for the employment challenged and special needs, whether it be cultural, medical or social. She had an idea that she could really help this community and be a place for people to re-enter the workplace. In 2019, the Ice Cream Company became a non-profit and her mission went to the next level.
Now ordering ice cream feels even better than it does normally. I truly admire what she is doing, and am amazed how well her team works. Her sister Diana is right there with her, handling vital jobs at the Ice Cream Company. So today, she is on the verge of getting a partnership with the Workforce Development team to help her continue this great service of job training and making tasty ice cream treats and great food.
So, the ice cream is rich and magical. They make all of their own ice cream in house and there are so many favorite flavors as well as some surprises. They even have vegan “ice cream” options that you an oat base and a non-dairy orange cinnamon. Some people come in for the basic cone, but I can’t come in and get anything less than a hot fudge sundae, with REAL hot fudge. My favorite is the coffee caramel Oreo. Yum. So before you order, check the daily flavors and choose your favorites. They make fresh shakes, banana splits and a variety of sundaes.
Now let’s talk about the elephant in the room, the elephant sized sundae that is. This is the legendary and famous LaPalooza. Party celebration? Soccer championship? La Palooza. This thing is amazing and you need a big group of people to be able to handle it. It took the ViewCrew and a whole team of specialists to finish off this wonderful treat. Note: Be ready, there is a lot of ice cream and toppings and you will need a smart strategy to eat it down symmetrically. This thing is a monster and has over 11 lbs of ice cream, made of all of your favorites. This should serve 10-11 people so make sure you are ready to take on this task.
We get so excited talking about the ice cream, that we need to mention the great food. This is a perfect lunch spot. They make a wonderful cheeseburger that will make you smile. Don’t pass on the French Dip with a tasty au jus. Very dippable! If you want something lighter they have a great grilled chicken and avocado salad and even a grilled chicken sandwich. For the kids, of course there are grilled cheese sandwiches. They have a great lunch menu.
Really! If you are a kid, or a kid at heart, a grilled cheese sandwich and a Sundae is the way to go. They also make a double decker grilled cheese. Yum.
Bottom line, the service is very friendly. Our team of Bonnie, Diana and Abby took care of a busy lunch crowd and everyone was happy. This ice cream is out of this world and anytime of day is a good time for a sundae, split or even a cone. I stop by with my grandson James and it is a great little break to enjoy a treat and time together.
But here is how you can help beyond dining in or ToGo. You can donate to this amazing place. I donated because I believe in what she is doing, that people need a chance and if you have a job that can be done with challenges, it needs to happen. So please, take time and support the Ice Cream Company. Go eat, buy gift certificates, tell your friends and donate to help this local business make a difference in our community. Trust me, it makes the ice cream taste even better.
See you at the Ice Cream Company.
2401 E. Orangeburg Ave. Suite 650 Modesto 209-578-3112
@iccmodesto
www.icecreamcompany.org
Place your order and click the donate button.
Photo: Ryder Edwards enjoys a cone.
