Today we’d like to introduce you to Heidi Ackerman.
Heidi, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
About eight years ago, I was watching Food Network and saw someone making ice cream with liquid nitrogen. I thought it was the coolest thing! I began to think of the possibilities. I could make ice cream from scratch for every person. Even those with special dietary needs, lifestyles and allergies. I have many years of food service/catering experience. I worked very closely with the SBDC of Collin County to write a business plan, projections, etc. I secured financing, signed a lease and started construction in the spring of 2013. We just had our 6th year anniversary. We are a family-owned/operated business. I proudly have many high school and college-age employees as well as my own children. We are hoping to expand in the near future to other cities in Texas and around the United States.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Of course not! Then everyone would want to do it. Sometimes we have to learn as we go. Nothing worth having is easy. I have had to work 70 plus hours per week at times-I wouldn’t have it any other way. Getting permits and occupancy was not as easy as it could have been. I have had some equipment break from time to time that makes me grumpy. I have to special order some of the custom pieces. They take time to build and cost a lot. Since my business is seasonal-I have to plan ahead for slower times. That took a couple of years to get the hang of. The weather also plays a huge part in sales. If it’s cold and raining have to adjust my staffing for that day. I’m still learning new things about my business every day.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
We use liquid nitrogen to make ice cream and other frozen treats. We can make traditional ice cream as well as dairy-free, sugar-free and allergy-friendly treats. We also make vegan and keto versions every day. There are thousands of flavor combinations. I run the day to day operations. Staffing, inventory/ordering. I am proud to be able to make ice cream for people who may not be able to have traditional ice cream. I have had customers that have dairy allergies, or can’t have sugar come in for their first ice cream ever. That is why I started my business. Ice cream brings people/families together. We want to make sure everyone has the opportunity to enjoy a frozen treat.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success to me is seeing repeat customers day after day. Meeting new customers-even after 6 years. Being a place that appeals to many people. And being able to pay the rent!
Contact Info:
- Address: 9250 Dallas Parkway #150
Frisco TX 75033 - Website: www.icreamfrisco.com
- Phone: 214-618-2343
- Email: owner@icreamfrisco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/icreamfrisco/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iCreamCafeFrisco/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/iCream_Frisco
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/icream-cafe-frisco-2?osq=icream+cafe
- Other: https://business.google.com/site/l/12308159102933497427
Image Credit:
Suad Bejtovic
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