FONDA – Below Zero Ice Cream officially opened its doors April 1, 2022. Over the past two summer seasons, Below Zero and its staff have continued to improve and add to the business. Its steady growth is attributed to a loyal customer base and the dedicated employees. Make sure to stop by Below Zero Ice Cream for great ice cream on these hot summer days.
Below Zero has been selected as Montgomery County’s June Small Business of the Month by County Executive Matthew L. Ossenfort and the Montgomery County Business Development Center because there’s no better tradition than enjoying a great cold dessert during a warm evening.
Below Zero Ice Cream is a local, family-owned business, which is located in Palatine Bridge. It is owned and operated by Daniel Garrow and his family. While Below Zero is only in its second season, its location, on Route 5, in Palatine Bridge, has historically been serving up ice cream for decades, since approximately 1953, when it was Tasty Freeze, and more recently Auntie Kim’s.
“Below Zero Ice Cream is certainly a summer place to be, with great food and excellent ice cream” County Executive Matthew L. Ossenfort said. “Below Zero is one of those establishments where you go each and every year to sit outside and enjoy food and desserts with friends and family.”
In its two years, Below Zero has also made a large impact on the community and giving back, hosting events like an annual animal adoption clinic, annual car shows, family paint nights, working with the Canajoharie Police Department on a free ice cream promotion for kids wearing safety helmets when biking, donating ice cream to residents of Arkell Hall, in Canajoharie and collaborating with other local businesses.
“We are thankful and honored to receive this award,” Daniel Garrow said, on behalf of the entire Garrow family, who he credits with helping him keep this business going. “We love being in Montgomery County because it has been extremely business-friendly. When you come to Below Zero, you are greeted with a familiar face that treats each customer like family. Our business has expanded its success over our two seasons as Below Zero Ice Cream to include our premium homemade ice cream, drive thru, where our customers can order from the comfort of their vehicle, and building a large pavilion that seats 72 people, which can host concerts and events in western Montgomery County. We look forward to continuing to serve the community into the future and appreciate all of our loyal customer base.”
In addition to tasty treats, Below Zero is selling comfortable t-shirts “I survived Below Zero,” for $12. Over the past two years, there have been many challenges, including the pandemic, supply-chain shortages, inflation and labor, but the Garrow family keeps pushing and have preserved through it all.
“Below Zero and the Garrow family have kept the tradition of serving great ice cream in that location alive,” Montgomery County Business Development Center CEO Ken Rose said. “These are the types of small businesses that help provide people seasonal jobs or provide an opportunity for young people to get the first job of their life. Employers like Below Zero keep our communities running.”
Below Zero Ice Cream is located at 6093 State Route 5, in Palatine Bridge. You can reach them by phone at (518) 673-8183 or by email at belowzeroicecream@yahoo.com. Below Zero is open daily from 12-9 p.m.
The small business of the month initiative recognizes local Montgomery County businesses that are making a difference in the community. Anyone wishing to nominate a deserving small business for recognition next month should contact the Montgomery County Business Development Center at 518-853-8334 or email vnicosia2@co.montgomery.ny.us with a brief note about the positive impact the company is making on the community. Nominations can also be submitted by sharing a post and tagging the business on the Business Development Center’s Facebook and Instagram accounts.
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ABOUT MCBDC
Montgomery County Business Development Center (MCBDC) provides professional economic development assistance to businesses interested in expanding or relocating to Montgomery County. It offers real estate solutions, financial assistance and incentives, as well as business development and technical assistance. MCBDC acts as the county’s Department of Economic Development, & Planning, the Industrial Development Agency, and Capital Resource Corporation. To learn more visit www.MontgomeryCountyWorks.com.