Swirls Ice Cream in Medicine Hat will open Friday for its 40th year.--PHOTO COURTESY FACEBOOK
asmith@medicinehatnews.com
Swirls Ice Cream is keeping it sweet as they open their doors for the first day of their 40th season.
“Forty years is a tremendous deal. And it’s quite the honour,” said Swirls Ice Cream. “Swirls has been an iconic landmark for Medicine Hat for generations. We have families that have been here. They started out as children themselves, coming with their grandparents, and now they themselves are grandparents.”
The current owners want to honour the legacy of the original family that started the business, and are proud that it remains a family owned and operated business to this day as they serve up to four generations at the same table who have all enjoyed an ice cream on a hot day at the establishment.
“We also have many people that Swirls is an important experience for them; that it’s such a memorable childhood moment, that we often have wedding parties that will come to the store. And they’ll have us in their wedding pictures or graduation pictures, and that’s just so special to us.”
Every year, Swirls works to add more to the menu and continue to forge new partnerships and ways to contribute to the community, but also feels it’s important to hold on to what’s been present since the beginning, holding on to longtime customer favourites.
They added that much has changed since the store began, but what hasn’t changed is their commitment to quality and to creating happiness for friends and neighbours.
“They’re always coming with smiles and they want the best experience. So what hasn’t changed is our quality, our quality and our dedication to legacy items, as well as new creations every season.”
The doors open at 1 p.m. on Friday, regardless of weather, said Swirls, and they plan to celebrate the beginning of this landmark year with a giveaway to mark the occasion.
“We have been so overwhelmed with the response from the community around our 40th anniversary this year. We’ve gotten many messages just congratulating us on being that special place for their families and continuing to be here, and we’re so honoured to have them celebrate with us.”
