The first time she experienced an ice cream truck at age 18, Elizabeth Irvin dreamed of bringing one of her own to her hometown in Luray, VA. As a full time teacher and single mother, starting her business required careful planning and balancing responsibilities. With the guidance of the Shenandoah Valley Small Business Development Center (SV SBDC) and a supportive community, Irvin realized her dream with the opening of The Ice Cream Truck LLC in March, 2014.
The Ice Cream Truck is the only mobile vending truck in Page County, where Elizabeth serves frozen novelty treats to the community and at special events and parties. Her goal is to bring both delicious ice cream and an unforgettable experience to residents.
“This is something the children in our community had never experienced,” Irvin explained. “I felt very passionate about bringing this type of business to Luray.”
When Irvin began the process of opening the Ice Cream Truck, she wanted to keep the startup cost minimal and her budget balanced and organized. She therefore, met with SV SBDC Director Joyce Krech for advice and consultation.
“I knew the SBDC could help guide me in the right direction, let me know if I was doing something wrong in the startup phase and see what else I needed to do.”
Irvin is also fortunate to have a supportive community that realizes her family must come first. “If I have a sick child and can’t make my route that day, or if I need to go support my child at a soccer game, everyone has been amazing in understanding all the obstacles.”
Chill Out, Irvin’s Servin’!
Since their opening, The Ice Cream Truck has been a hit around Luray neighborhoods and parks, providing a fun and delicious way for residents to beat the summer heat. Irvin and her truck have been featured in Page News and Courier as well as the Daily News Record, and with the suggestion of the SV SBDC, she joined the local Chamber of Commerce. Irvin plans to expand her inventory in the near future to include locally made ice creams in a number of unique flavors. With good preparation, knowledge of her target market, and strong community ties, Irvin and her Ice Cream Truck are an assured success.
Facebook.com/TheIceCreamTruck22835
237 Sixth Street (and Roaming!)
Luray Va, 22835
540.742.9910
