Iconic Mason City Ice Cream Shop is Back Open

(ABC 6 News) – If you live in North Iowa, chances are you’ve heard of Birdsall’s. The ice cream shop has been in the Mason City community for more than 90 years.

Now they’re back open for business, with a few surprises that will make long-time customers and new ones alike smile.

"It’s like black and white to color TV, everything you see in here is new, we wanted to keep the nostalgic feeling," Michelle Murray, owner of Birdsall’s Ice Cream Company said.

From the iconic sign to the boomerangs on the countertop, this iconic ice cream shop is reimagined for a new generation.

"I think red and white, and a little black, are really Birdsall’s colors," Michelle said.

This ice cream shop has been closed since Thanksgiving for renovations. Marc and Michelle Murray took over the ownership with their business partners Gary and Anne Schmit after the previous owner passed away.

"A Birdsall owned it, sold it to his son, another Birdsall, sold it to an Escher, then to his son, another Escher, and now the Schmits and Murrays."

Michelle and her husband Marc are a part of something that isn’t just a place to get ice cream, but a place where people here come to remember the good times.

"From first dates, people will come in who worked here before! We love the history of this place," Michelle said.

"We have the Neapolitan flavors, the chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry," Marc Murray, owner of Birdsall’s Ice Cream Company said.

Marc makes all of the ice cream here, he loves it!

But there’s something else on the menu that’s just as new as these renovations.

"With your new recipe Pofferjes, what are they and how do you make them?"

"They’re a mini dutch pancake and we make them at this griddle right here. Just put the batter right here, order takes about two minutes or so. Our original recipe is maple syrup, powdered sugar with some whipped cream, and you can add any flavors of ice cream to that, my favorite is Nutella and strawberries," Marc said.

"What do you think the future looks like for your business?"

"I think it looks excellent, we have tremendous support from the community. We’re here to stay and I think these renovations show that," Marc said.

If you’d like to make a visit to Birdsall’s, they are open on Tuesday through Friday 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.