As the creative forces behind SoMa's beloved Loblolly Creamery they are putting smiles on faces at The Green Corner Store's old fashioned soda counter. It's summertime and the living is easy, fish are jumpin', and the ice cream business is better than ever. On the day I met with them to do this interview there was a steady stream of customers getting soda, ice cream, and even ice cream sandwiches. As one of the focal points in the store, the antique soda counter feels right at home given the fact that the store operated as a pharmacy from 1906-1967. Just as you'd expect there is a display cooler with large containers of various flavors, with those offerings posted on a handwritten chalkboard for all to see.
I wanted to know the story about how this group of friends came to become Loblolly. Some things just evolve in the most wonderful way. The Cornbread Festival in November of 2011 was their debut as Loblolly. They even won their category! In January of 2012 they began selling ice cream and their delicious sodas, with the fountain opening in April of that year. Sally and Rachel had been friends for some time with Rachel's brother Dan coming on board just because he wanted to help. I figured they must have a background in ice cream maybe working at Yarnell's or Ben and Jerry's. No. However Rachel and Dan each have backgrounds in baking. Starting in a shared space in the kitchen of Trinity Episcopal not too far away, their business has expanded and now provides treats to business all over town including Boulevard Bread, Argenta Market, Trios, The Fold, By The Glass, Hillcrest Farmer's Market, Big Orange, South on Main, and even special events like Boozie Milkshake night at Whitewater Tavern. Friend Ryan Dunn came up with the name Loblolly since it is the state pine tree. Their best seller and most dangerous to make concoction is their awesome salted caramel ice cream. Made with the freshest and very local ingredients, like the figs that had been delivered earlier that day, all of their flavors are delicious but my favorite is anything they make with mint!
I asked them about the future and what they see. I was charmed to hear that they want to grow but not so big that they lose the charm and quality that we all love about their product. If you have not stopped by and had a scoop of happiness in one of their homemade cones then I encourage you to. Or if you can't do dairy try a sorbet or soda. They also have vegan and gluten free options. Me, I eat pretty much anything they put in front of me and with a smile on my face. But hey it's research right?
All photography rights shared by Brian Kelley/Imagine Photography
1 comment:
Wonderful post Brian! The descriptive manner in which you write made me want to jump in my car and head for The Green Corner Store immediately! jb :-D
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