With summer winding down and ice cream shops raking in profits, one ice cream establishment is making headlines for more than just its creamy cones and fruity sundaes. Rising Tide Convenience, located on the Avalon Peninsula, is becoming particularly well-known lately, not for its exceptional homemade ice cream but for the way the owner, Heather Simms, is treating her hardworking summer staff. After learning of her team's desire to attend the much-anticipated Pitbull concert, Simms made the bold decision to close the shop early on concert day, allowing all her employees to enjoy the show.
Voted the best ice cream on the Avalon Peninsula thanks to locals who took the time to cast their votes, the shop has been serving sweet treats since its opening. This summer has been especially busy for Rising Tide, with tourists flocking to the area, drawn by both its offerings and the scenic beauty of the region. Simms, recognizing the importance of keeping morale high among her staff, decided closing early was worth the financial hit the business would take.
"These kids have worked like dogs all summer. They all want to go. I'm going to close and they're all going to go," Simms shared. Her dedication to treating her team right stems from the widespread struggle many businesses face during the current workforce shortage. She added, "If you want to keep them, you gotta treat them right." The sentiment reflects a growing awareness among employers about the importance of employee satisfaction—not just convenience store owners but many businesses aiming to maintain their workforce.
The decision to close early was publicized not only through word of mouth but also by Simms announcing it on social media and with the help of local celebrity, Rick Mercer, who posted about the closure on his Instagram account. Mercer’s shoutout transformed Rising Tide's shop front sign from simple daily fare to viral talk—essentially drawing customers through the doors who were curious to see what all the fuss was about.
"I knew everybody in the harbour would know," Simms said, somewhat nonchalantly, knowing well how local gossip travels. It captivated the community and created buzz around the shop. Despite closing early, Simms anticipated the potential impact on sales but firmly believed the experience for her employees at the concert was invaluable.
"This is honestly the busiest tourist season we've had since opening. It’s crazy and so great, but I’m okay with taking the hit this time around," she expressed. Plans were made for the staff to enjoy the concert together, and all of them were ecstatic at the prospect of the event.
But Rising Tide Convenience isn’t the only place catching attention. Another gem, located just over the Mississippi River, is the charming Nelson Creamery, which invites visitors to indulge during their wanderings through Wisconsin. For those who enjoy ice cream, road trips, and delectable food, this stop should not be missed. Approximately 22 years ago, this very spot was already becoming notorious for its sandwiches, particularly known for their extraordinary blend of flavors.
The Nelson Creamery offers visitors reason to celebrate their next road trip with five features sure to leave you satisfied. They've upgraded their menu and struck the right balance between both savory and sweet. You can pick up local favorites as well as favorites from Minnesota right at the Creamery. The "Mr. T" sandwich is one recommendation not to shy away from, perfectly made for those stepping off the road stop craving comfort food.
For customers who adore cheese, Nelson Creamery has several fridges brimming with locally sourced varieties, ideal for your charcuterie boards. It’s become somewhat of the local hangout, extending beyond ice cream and sandwiches, now embracing community and celebration.
On top of the artisanal options, the Creamery offers local beers, such as those from New Glarus, which are exclusive to the state of Wisconsin. This means if you stop there, you can grab some to enjoy at home, only available within state borders. Why not take both ice cream and beer home as perfect souvenirs?
When visiting, it’s recommended to check out their selection of drinks keeps the experience exciting. Fun flavored sodas also dot the menu, making for refreshing sips on hot summer days.
Whether you’re planning to stop by Rising Tide or take the opportunity to enjoy offerings at Nelson Creamery, both places feature vibrant atmospheres worthy of exploration. They highlight the essence of summer fun and community support through irresistible flavors and creative business strategies.
Simms, echoing the voices of countless small business owners, astutely shared, "It’s just about making our hardworking team feel appreciated. Summer is the busiest time of year and they deserve to have some fun too." Such sentiments are synonymous with many store owners wishing to show gratitude for their relentless commitment to customer service and good food.
Get ready for some ice cream fun this season as you plan your next visit to local shops!
