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In honor of Chill Out's 10th Anniversary this month, we are rerunning a Business Spotlight that appeared in an earlier DSI newsletter. Congratulations to everyone at this special gathering spot who creates delicious treats and always delights the young and young at heart.
It’s a sweet experience when you visit Shenandoah’s Chill Out Ice Cream & Snack Shop located at 606 Gold Star Highway. From the moment you drive in you know you’re in for a special treat. The colorful storefront window welcomes you to either order outside or invites you inside to peruse everything on the extensive menu. Either way, you will be greeted by the friendliest team in town. There’s a reason they are always voted Republican Herald’s Reader’s Choice Award for the Best Ice Cream and Friendliest Service in Schuylkill County. Folks travel from all over the area to spend time at this community hot spot and always leave with smiles on their faces.
A Feel Good Place To Go
Shenandoah, PA is the hometown of Chill Out owners, husband and wife team, Anna Marie and Bobby Decusky. Back in 2014 the couple decided to open their very own ice cream shop to serve their community, Both Anna Marie and Bobby love to cook, so their business idea just made sense. “We chose an ice cream parlor because we were looking to have something for retirement, explained Anna Marie. “We both love ice cream and thought of a good feel place for people to go.” The idea for the cool name was a family decision. “We thought it would be cute and catchy,” she said. And she was right. What came next was a logo design created by college students on an online website that created two perfect logos. This made it difficult for them to choose, so the family voted. The penguin on a scooper took first place and the runner-up, a fathead poster hangs inside the shop.
"We Are Shenandoah Proud!"
The couple is frequently asked, why they opened Chill Out in Shenandoah. They both reply, “why not?” “We selected Shenandoah because this is our hometown and we believe in this town, these people” shared Anna Marie. “We are Shenandoah proud!” The Decusky's look forward to Shenandoah’s growing future including Downtown Shenandoah, Inc.’s, The Center for Education, Business & Arts. “This will be a tremendous boost for Shenandoah and we cannot wait! This will allow many people to fulfill a dream which they thought could never happen! So much greatness will profit from this new adventure. We respect the people of this area and we welcome all to our fine little town."
What Makes Chill Out Different? Everything!
So, what makes Chill Out different than other ice cream shops? Just about everything! For starters, they have both indoor and outdoor seating that can accommodate 30 customers inside and 30 customers outside. Their fenced-in patio features a 28 foot-long train and a life sized Connect Four game to keep children entertained. “We pride our establishment for cleanliness both inside and out, “said Anna Marie. And it shows. Everything is kept clean, well-kept, and spotless. She continued to share that their employees range from 16 to 74 years old. “All treat each other with respect. We work as a team and try to have fun along the way." She explained that they always ask their employees for their input and ideas. “We value their opinions. Our work staff is the VERY BEST,” she said. “We care and appreciate each and every one of them. They are our work family.”
There is truly something for everyone at Chill Out. They have three soft ice cream machines providing nine different flavors including dairy and allergen-free selections. They have thought of everyone, including those with food sensitivities, lactose intolerance, and allergies. In addition, Chill Out serves more than 24 flavors of hard ice cream. “Every flavor is made with 14 percent butterfat making them truly creamy and delicious,” shared Anna Marie.” You can also get a delicious milkshake, sundae, cup, cone, or frozen yogurt with all the toppings and mixers you could imagine. Plus they frequently add specials and will customize an order just for you. And if you can’t make up your mind about what flavor you want, order a flight that features a tray of four different flavors to sample. Chill Out also serves a variety of munchies, salads, wraps, burgers, and other good eats to fill, fuel, and satisfy your hunger and sweet tooth.
Chill Out Happily Gives Back
What started as a seasonal side gig for people to go and have fun, has grown throughout the years to become a popular hangout for customers to enjoy everyday moments and special celebrations. Simply visit their Facebook and social media pages and you’ll see that Chill Out is where folks head to get a treat after work or practice, celebrate the big wins, and simply spend time with family and friends. Chill Out is always happy to give back to the community by donating, sponsoring, and supporting nonprofit organizations, like DSI. “Our friends at Chill Out continually support DSI and we appreciate them for everything they do for our community,” said Susan Williams, DSI spokesperson.
The Best Team And Customers Around!
“We feel we have the very best customers around,” said Anna Marie. “We have grown to know so many and feel like we have gained many new friendships through Chill Out. We totally appreciate each and every person that walks in!” Anna Marie added that she and Bobby grew up in families where faith and work ethics were number one in their lives. “This family business is all about everyone helping when needed.” Anna Marie explained that their family will help out on the busiest days even if they stopped in to enjoy a treat. Even their young grandsons love to help out. “We are truly blessed with our families and their support.”
“We’ve learned there is truly a large amount of great and appreciative people in this world,” shared Anna Marie. She explained that she and Bobby’s parents taught them a little kindness goes a long way which is very true in business. She added that they feel that each experience at Chill Out should be a great one, and our employees do their very best to give the customer exactly what they are looking for. She continued, “It is to make your wish come true.”
"We Are Thankful and Grateful"
When Anna Marie was asked if she would like to comment on their milestone anniversary, she replied, "we are truly appreciative we are of our customers who have become our friends, our family, and our wonderful work family! Everyone has made our success possible and we are thankful and grateful," she shared.
Visit Chill Out’s website or like them on social media for updates, specials, and more information.
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