By: Rhett Uleman
According to the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, fewer Americans are spending time socializing compared to a decade ago, but in Elkhorn, one Ice cream shop has been bringing the neighborhood together for over 50 years.
In Elkhorn, ice cream is practically a way of life. With Coneflower Creamery in Olde Towne, and Stella’s a short drive away, there’s plenty of options for one looking to satisfy their sweet tooth. But among all these ice cream shops there’s one that pre-dates them all.
Dairy Chef has been serving frosty treats from this location on 204th street since 1969. That’s over 50 years! In the decades since, the business did undergo a name change and shift in ownership but General manager Mike Ozmun says the main goal has always been the same:
“So I grew up going to the Dairy Chef before we owned it. So a lot of great memories here coming out with the sports teams and everything. And we just try and create that same atmosphere and same environment for everybody now,” Ozmun said.
That atmosphere has made Dairy Chef more than a place to grab a cone, it’s what some call a third place. A location outside of home and work where neighbors can gather and just hang out.
It’s typical for the lines on a weekend night to snake out into the parking lot, but with Dairy Chef set to close for the winter season, the last few days have brought crowds and lines that extend even further. It’s impressive, even by the Chef’s standards.
The final stretch before the seasonal closing brings in community members like Jayden Blank-Jimenez to return and get their fix before the machines are turned off for the year.
“Well, we got Coneflower and Stella’s, but somehow I keep coming back here because no matter how much you try, you’re never going to take the Dairy Chef out of me,” Blank-Jimenez said.
