When I was young, I spent my summers visiting my grandparents who lived in a small, south Texas town. They owned a restaurant, and I spent hours and hours there. I watched, and I learned. The most important thing I learned during those summer visits was that a successful restaurant isn’t just about the food…it is about the people. Last Friday night a friend told me about a new ice cream shop called Howdy’s Homemade Ice Cream. After visiting the website and watching this video, I knew I had to go because this place isn’t just about the food.

Howdy’s Homemade Ice Cream
4333 Lover’s Lane, Dallas, TX
http://www.howdyicecream.com/home

Howdy’s Homemade owner, Tom Landis, has a passion. It is “to provide delicious homemade ice cream and create jobs for special needs employees”. Landis also employs workers with special needs at his Texadelphia restaurant. He takes the time to identify each employee’s learning difference and uses their abilities to put them in a position that allows them to be successful. Unfortunately, investors were wary of the unconventional ice cream parlor. That did not hinder Landis. He started a GoFundMe account to raise the needed funds and Howdy’s celebrated its grand opening on February 6.

I was greeted with a smile from a young gentleman who was sweeping the floor. He immediately struck up a conversation asking about my school shirt; where and what grade I taught. He explained all the ice cream flavors while another gentleman behind the counter gave me samples to try. Howdy’s offers ice cream flavors ranging from conventional to unusual. Their signature flavor is Dr. Pepper chocolate chip. I also ordered the Hot Tamales ice cream.  All the ice cream is made in the store. It is creamy and dense like gelato. The Dr. Pepper chocolate chip was greatness. A very subtle Dr. Pepper taste with crunchy, chocolatey chips. The Hot Tamales ice cream was not hot as expected, but more of a cinnamon creaminess.

This print sits on the wall of Howdy’s, and it says it all. I left with a full belly and more importantly a full heart. Thank you, Mr. Landis and your employees! I can’t wait to try more of your ice cream!