The Pros and Cons of Keeping an Ice Cream Store Open Year-Round

Should My Ice Cream Store Be Open Year-Round?

Okay, picture this! It's July in Florida, and it's Tuesday evening, just after dinner. You're at home, about to settle in front of the TV, when your partner says, "Want some ice cream?" Hmmm. After a millisecond, you say, "Absolutely!"

So, you both hop in the car and drive the four minutes to your favorite spot, where you know you'll find the best ice cream in the world. You’ll choose from among the 30 or so amazing flavors, be greeted by friendly faces you already know, listen to some good music, and soak up the nice atmosphere at comfy tables.

Since you visit often, you’re likely to run into some familiar faces, sparking interesting conversations. Or maybe you'll join in on Trivia, play Name That Tune, or watch others belt it out at Karaoke. If not, perhaps you'll grab a game of Scrabble, cards, checkers, or chess—all while enjoying some incredibly delicious ice cream. You could sit there for half an hour or even two and a half hours! When you finally decide to head home, the car ride is filled with positive chatter, and you're both smiling and happy. I discuss all of this and more in my Ice Cream Boot Camp Marketing section.

The Year-Round Ice Cream Dilemma

Now, let’s switch it up. Imagine the same scenario, but this time it’s Pittsburgh, Wisconsin, or California. It really doesn’t matter! Everything else remains constant. But how about a radical change? It’s February. Still Tuesday. Still after dinner. But it’s minus six outside!

Stay home in front of the TV? Or put on a coat and drive five minutes to a warm, comfy place with all the amenities listed above? Spend $12 and enjoy the world’s best ice cream with your partner?

Maybe not every night, but surely twice or even three times a week! As an ice cream store owner, keep one word at the forefront of your thinking: Inviting. If you make your shop a place you’d love to visit, others will come too! Remember, 94% of your customers live within 4.5 miles of your shop.

It’s just a five-minute drive, summer or winter. An inexpensive evening out, with great ambiance, and a good time with no stress. My first store had a TV sitting on top of a refrigerator. Tuesday nights were Movie Nights. I’d pop in a classic like Jaws or Singing in the Rain. And guess what? They came! They bought ice cream and hung out.

Making Your Ice Cream Shop Inviting

And therein lies the answer to, "Should I be open year-round in Montana or Upstate New York?" It’s as cold there as it is hot in Florida, Texas, or Mobile, Alabama. Do you want people to leave their air-conditioned homes to venture out into 90-degree heat? Or brave the snowy, 10-degree cold to come to your shop?

Make your place a hangout! Have music playing, TVs going, and board games on the shelf. Provide comfortable tables and chairs (I always put a couch or two in every shop I’ve opened). Think about adding a cappuccino or espresso machine. Decorate with cool stuff on the walls. Ditch the fluorescent lights—opt for lamps instead. Create a hangout, a place you’d love to go!

The Benefits of Year-Round Operation

Why should you consider staying open year-round? Here are some compelling reasons:

1. Consistent Revenue: Keeping your shop open throughout the year means you can maintain a steady stream of income. Seasonal closures can lead to financial instability.

   
   

2. Customer Loyalty: When you’re consistently available, you build a loyal customer base. People will come to rely on your shop as a go-to destination, regardless of the season.

   
   

3. Community Engagement: Staying open year-round allows you to engage with your community in different ways. Host seasonal events, themed nights, or special promotions that keep customers excited and coming back.

   
   

4. Experiment with Flavors: Year-round operation gives you the chance to experiment with seasonal flavors and offerings. This keeps your menu fresh and exciting, enticing customers to try new things.

   
   

5. Flexibility: Being open year-round allows you to adapt to changing consumer preferences and trends. You can pivot your offerings based on what customers want at different times of the year.

   
   

Conclusion

Believe me, you’ll not only pay the bills, but you’ll also head to the bank on Mondays with a big smile on your face. A big smile! So, should your ice cream store be open year-round? Absolutely! Embrace the opportunity to create a welcoming space that people will love to visit, no matter the weather. Your ice cream shop can be a year-round destination, filled with laughter, joy, and, of course, delicious ice cream!