Mint chocolate chip. Birthday Cake. Cookie dough.
With the end of the season coming to a close, Grandma Betty’s Ice Cream Shop is offering all of these flavors and more for free until closing time Friday.
While QL’s Bar-B-Que will remain open, Grandma Betty’s will close from Saturday until students return and begin classes Jan. 7. Because of this, the ice cream is free to anyone who stops by the shop.
Owner Jeannine Lee Lake said this is about more than just getting rid of ice cream.
“It’s about thanking our patrons from BSU,” Lake said.
The staff was swamped Tuesday because of the promotional event, and people have left tips or kind notes for the staff in a large jar on the counter.
“The Lord has blessed us,” Lake said. “And we just want to bless people who came to our aid when we needed it.”
Last year, after the Lakes’ house burned down, Ball State students showed up in support.
“My husband and I sat down and discussed it and decided that this was the best way to show our thanks,” she said.
Freshman psychology major September Kirchner said she has frequented Grandma Betty’s since her arrival at Ball State after her roommate introduced her to the store.
“The ice cream is delicious, and the staff is great. I love them, and they are so friendly,” Kirchner said.
First timer Danielle Akers, a sophomore theatre education and English education major, agreed.
“The staff was very kind and helpful, and the ice cream is really high quality,” Akers said. “I really enjoy the creamy texture, and it’s really affordable, too — even when it isn’t free.”
Like many students, Akers was introduced to Grandma Betty’s through word of mouth.
Some students, however, get their Grandma Betty’s information from social media — its Twitter has 282 followers and its Facebook page has 671 likes.
Grandma Betty’s even attracts people from out of town.
Evan Meyers, a freshman at Purdue, brought his girlfriend to Grandma Betty’s, and said he will definitely come back for the ice cream.
“We want to make sure that toward the end of the semester when financial aid checks have dried up, students can still afford a $1.50 cone of ice cream here at the shop,” Lake said.
Students said Grandma Betty’s has become a part of the Ball State experience.
“I definitely have to tell my roommates about this place,” Akers said.
Because of the huge inflow of students, it is down to nine flavors, as opposed to the usual 16 fall flavors.
“I really want to thank the students for their support through everything, so I might have to order some more ice cream to make it through Friday,” Lake said.
The Lakes said they strive to keep Grandma Betty’s accessible to students.
“They are our bread and butter,” she said. “And although we have support in the community, our main patrons are Ball State students, and we love them.”
