Sprinkles Ice Cream Helps Beat The Summer Heat

By Celeste McLaughlin | @NTWCNews

On a recent Friday afternoon, Tiffany Walensky and her two little girls stopped in Sprinkles Ice Cream Parlor, located next to Super Target in the Northwood Plaza at the intersection of Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd. and County Line Rd. 

“We discovered Sprinkles several months ago and now, we visit a few times a month,” says Tiffany, who lives in New River Township on S.R. 54 in Wesley Chapel, and is a photographer. “Sprinkles has a great variety of flavors, is in a great location, and it’s always fun to take the kids out for something they enjoy.”

Tiffany’s daughters, Brooke and Bailey, smiled from ear to ear as they enjoyed their afternoon treat. Brooke, who’s 7, had orange sherbet (which she called her new favorite), while her little sister Bailey, 2, enjoyed a cup of strawberry ice cream. “We appreciate that the staff is always super friendly and there’s plenty of seating available,” Tiffany says. “We’re at Target a lot, so it’s very convenient.”

Kim Adams opened Sprinkles last November, after 20 years in the banking industry. She says she was looking for something new and decided to pursue her long-time dream of opening her own small business. 

 “I opened Sprinkles because every step along the way just felt right,” explains Kim. “I knew I wanted to sell high-quality ice cream and when I met with the people from Hershey’s Ice Cream, I got a great vibe.” So, she decided to open an independent, locally owned shop selling Hershey’s ice cream.

The Hershey’s Ice Cream brand has been made in Harrisburg, PA, since 1894. The company is not, and never has been affiliated, with the chocolate company of the same name, even though it has a similar logo.

Although Kim says there are a couple of places where you can find Hershey’s Ice Cream locally (a coffee shop and a cupcake store), she has (by far) the largest variety. Sprinkles always has at least 36 Hershey’s flavors available, with new flavors every week.

“We just got Rocky Road in this week for a customer who requested it,” says Kim, who adds that she is always happy to go the extra mile for her customers. “The product is phenomenal and people love it. So, we make sure we have a clean parlor and excellent customer service, and pay attention to details so every customer always has a great experience.”

Some of the most popular flavors at Sprinkles are cookies and cream, coconut, red velvet cake, and the chocolate lover’s favorite Moose Tracks. 

Sprinkles also keeps Superman ice cream in stock, which Kim says has something of a cult following. She says many people who find Superman ice cream in other places are disappointed that it’s just plain ol’ vanilla that has been colored red, yellow, and blue. The brightly colored Hershey’s brand Superman ice cream at Sprinkles is fruity and sweet, made of strawberry, vanilla, and “blue moon” ice cream that is the real deal for real Superman lovers.

Not Just Ice Cream!

In addition to hand-dipped, premium Hershey’s ice cream, Sprinkles offers chewy, freshly baked cookies (the amazing Reese’s peanut butter cup cookie, bottom left) are our editor’s favorites), warm brownie sundaes, frozen fruit bars, ice cream sandwiches and more. “Our ice cream floats have been extremely popular this summer,” Kim says. One fun flavor: Try an RC Cola float with Moon Pie-flavored ice cream.

Kim says Sprinkles Ice Cream Parlor sets itself apart by being extremely family friendly. “We want our customers to know it’s totally okay if a kid spills something in here. We can and will clean it up. If a little one drops ice cream on the floor, we’ll get them more. It’s a comfortable, fun place for families to spend time together.”

She also says that she loves to see families put their distractions aside and talk with each other. “It’s so rewarding to see families interacting together,” she says. “And, I love seeing children come in and get so excited about ice cream. You have to smile when you see that.”

Sprinkles Ice Cream Parlor is truly a family affair. Kim, who has lived in Meadow Pointe for the last 10 years, was born and raised in Tampa, as were both her parents, Richard and Nancy Adams, who also are fixtures in their daughter’s shop.

“My parents work every Monday,” says Kim, “and my customers love that Sprinkles is a family-run business. A lot of my regular customers ask for my parents when they’re not here.” Kim’s 15-year-old niece, Amanda, also works at the shop.

Cakes & Catering, Too!

Besides yummy afternoon or after-dinner treats, Sprinkles Ice Cream Parlor creates custom ice cream cakes and pies for any special occasion. Cakes are made completely from ice cream and can be customized however you like. You choose the flavors, the toppings and you can even choose a theme, with ice cream colors tinted to match.

Kim says that custom cakes and pies generally require two days’ advance notice, since they are made to order. For those who need their goodies sooner, ready-made cakes and pies are available in the store. (You can even ask Kim to write your message, such as “Happy Birthday,” in tinted ice cream!)

While many customers pick up custom cakes to enjoy at home or a party venue, Kim says a growing number of people are choosing to celebrate birthdays and special occasions at Sprinkles. Kim offers special pricing for people who book a birthday party or other gathering in advance.

Sprinkles Ice Cream Parlor also can come to you, with on-site catering and special events. From grand openings to employee appreciation events to poolside birthday parties, Kim and her team can deliver or set up and serve your choice of Hershey’s Ice Cream and other treats.

“Sprinkles is an awesome, family-run business with great customer service and fantastic Hershey’s Ice Cream,” says Lori Rivera of Wesley Chapel. “I recommend the hot fudge topping to everyone.”

Sprinkles also offers a great “punch card” program. When you make seven purchases, the eighth is free!

Sprinkles Ice Cream Parlor is open Monday-Thursday, noon – 9 p.m.; noon – 9:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; and noon – 8 p.m. on Sunday. It is located at 1219 Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd., in the Northwood Plaza next to SuperTarget (at the intersection of BBD and County Line Rd.). 

For more information or to reserve space for a party, call 406-4870 or see the ad on page 51 of this issue. Sprinkles is online at SprinklesIceCreamParlor.com and on Facebook.com (search for “Sprinkles Ice Cream Parlor”).