Serving sweet treats in a kind, inclusive space

July is National Ice Cream Month. Howdy Homemade Ice Cream, located at 6340 South Parker Road in Aurora, is a place to celebrate.

Owner Troy Knuckles beamed with joy when he spoke about his business. “Howdy Ice Cream means so much to me because it’s not just ice cream, it’s a place that is truly about making the world kinder and happier with opportunity for all. We all need that goodness.”

After leaving the telecommunications industry, Troy was at a crossroads, burnt out from the corporate world. Grounded by his faith, he was seeking purpose and looking for something meaningful. After watching David Muir’s “America Strong” on ABC World News Tonight featuring founder of Howdy Homemade Ice Cream Tom Landis, Troy reached out to Tom about a franchise for a Denver metro location. The franchise agreement was fast-tracked, and with the help of his son Kayle Knuckles, the doors opened in September 2022––one of seven locations nationwide.

Troy didn’t have a business plan; he had a people plan. Howdy Homemade Ice Cream is creating a space where teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities can find meaningful employment. Troy believes this community strengthens the labor force with unique skills and provides an environment for success. From hiring to training to leadership and advancement, the Howdy Homemade Ice Cream franchise aims to change the way our society treats the special needs community while at the same time helping solve two of the restaurant industry’s biggest problems: employee turnover and customer service.

Employees are referred to as “heroes.” Employees, like General Manager Kasey Lee, work full time, love to work and love their job. The employees meticulously go through a full checklist every day and hold the highest standards of service for customers. From the point-of-sale system being color coded to the numbering system on the ice cream flavors, employees learn to operate and manage menus that are simplified. They also experience the particular pride that comes with earning their first paycheck and then, a regular paycheck.

Howdy Homemade Ice Cream sells ice cream, milkshakes and candy from Lolli & Pops, along with merchandise. Customers peruse the ice cream case filled with top selling flavors and can even order an ice cream float. The shop stocks at least six original ice creams, including the exclusive Dr. Pepper Chocolate Chip. Some of the other custom flavors are made in-house and were created locally by Sheila Bankson, the mother of an employee. The most popular flavors are Velvet Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup, Lemon Crunch, Cookie Nom’ster and Birthday Cake. If toppings are your thing, order chopped peanuts or Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, mini marshmallows and rainbow sprinkles, to name a few.

Despite Colorado’s admirable low unemployment rate within the special needs population compared to other states, Howdy Homemade Ice Cream currently has a waiting list of interested candidates for employment. To support the mission, stop by the shop and have some ice cream, perhaps take a pint or half gallon home. Cater a party, an ice cream social, corporate event or a family gathering.  Another way to show support is to join the Heroes Membership Club, where, for a monthly contribution of $20, you get a pint of ice cream a month, a Howdy tee shirt and invitations to special events. The club membership is pivotal to the shop’s success during the winter months.

Howdy Homemade Ice Cream has served nearly one million scoops of ice cream to thousands of customers since its opening, and community support has been tremendous. But Troy and his heroes are serving up more than a sweet treat; they are fostering a more diverse and inclusive community with a people-first business one delicious scoop, smile and Howdy greeting at a time.

By ViVi Somphon