Tommi's Ice Cream Serves up Smiles with Memories Sprinkled on Top

(Photo Credit - Summer Mincks)

There is absolutely nothing like some cold and creamy to beat the summer heat. Whether it be in a cup with sauce or in a cone with sprinkles, Ice Cream is a go-to for the majority of families looking for a delicious and refreshing treat during our sunny days.

Let me let all of you in on a little secret of ours. You simply haven’t tasted real ice cream until you’ve tasted real, freshly made, frozen custard. And you haven’t tasted frozen custard until you tasted the unbeatable and delectable delicacies that await you behind the doors of Tommi’s Ice Cream.

Let’s face it, ice cream is a joy for the majority of us, especially during summertime, holidays, BBQ’s, late at night when the kids go to sleep and you sneak it to your bedroom like you’re sneaking illegal contraband across a hostile border. Let’s face it, ice cream is just plain awesome. Tommi’s is absolutely no exception.

(Photo Credit - Summer Mincks)

Starting four years ago and quickly approaching their fifth year Tommi’s is going strong and serving up the best-frozen custard in Southern Oregon.

Our kiddos will always pick this place for any sort of emotional need that can only be met with the delicious sensation that is Tommi’s ice cream.

Happy? Tommi’s Ice Cream.

Sad? Tommi’s Ice Cream.

Even when waking up from oral surgery (Thorin speaks from experience) the problems can almost always be solved with a good conversation and a cup or cone of some incredible dreamy creamy treats.

(Photo Credit - Summer Mincks)

So, what’s the difference between Frozen Custard and just plain ice cream?

Both classic Ice Cream and Frozen Custard contain three main ingredients: milk, cream, and sugar. But one added, and necessary ingredient gives frozen custard its rich and delectable texture: pasteurized egg yolk. Once whipped into submission and blended with the other holy trinity found in classic ice cream, the egg yolk thickens the custard to perfect consistency and once cooked and frozen the texture and unmistakable delicacy that is frozen custard is complete.

So, we’ve discussed the difference between ice cream and custard, but just what makes Tommi’s so different and near and dear to our hearts?

First off this hidden gem is a completely family owned and operated shop started by Tom and his children four years ago. And it wasn’t always a fairy tale. This family has started the shop from the ground up after a fall and injury had convinced Tom that his destiny contained something much sweeter than refrigeration and equipment repair.

The devastation of Tom’s injuries was turned into something constructive when Tom invested his time and energy into going back to school and taking businesses courses through our very own Rogue Community College. Seeing the lack of Frozen Custard options on the West Coast, combined with his knowledge of equipment and business connections Tom and his children were able to turn their dream into reality with the help of a few investors and a hell of a lot of hard work.

(Photo Credit - Summer Mincks)

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably assumed that Tom put the “Tommi” into “Tommi’s Ice Cream” but what makes this shop even more special is that actually stands as a beautiful memorial to a beloved daughter and sister who passed away years ago. Her name was Tommi, after her father of course, and with all daughters, Tom worked his way into getting his junior. When discussing a name Tom knew he didn’t want the shop to be solely his, and instead wanted this place to be a place to make beautiful family memories, so in keeping her sweet memory alive, Tommi’s was born.

Beyond the nostalgia and wonder that comes with a family owned shop, Tommi’s Ice Cream also serves up high quality and unique treats that can only come from a family seeking to provide nothing but exceptional products. Tom and his children order almost all of their ingredients all the way from Amish Country in Pennsylvania to ensure their high standards.

And what’s the secret to the family’s success with their flavors?

Practice.

Tom states that the best way to come up with any flavor is simply to try it out, over, and over, and even over again until perfection is reached. Currently, the shop always keeps a steady round of chocolate and vanilla and 4 featured flavors, but throughout the busy seasons, like during summer vacation, for example, they work hard to increase the number options held each day. Their plan for the future is to increase those featured flavors up to a rotation of eight different kinds.

(Photo Credit - Summer Mincks)

For right now the most popular flavor is their coffee frozen custard, but Tom is the first to state that keeping the flavors changed up and always working to keep their standards high is the key to delighting as they keep coming back for more.

For me, I’m a purist by nature when it comes to my ice cream and always go for a scoop of chocolate and a scoop of vanilla. The chocolate is rich with the perfect amount of sweetness while the vanilla is light, but still with a level of flavor that is like trying to describe your favorite colors. Put these two flavors and together it’s like a taste of coming home into welcoming and loving arms. You simply cannot go wrong with this classic combo. My family has much more varied tastes than I do and take a huge pleasure in rotating their choices. With that said they do of course have their favorites. The hubby will always go straight for the sweet and sour lemon custard while the kiddos cycle through a rotation of root beer float and mint Oreo.

With numerous flavors to try there is surely something that will satisfy the taste buds of everyone who walks through the door of Tommi’s.

Not sure what to get? Ask for a sample or better yet take the advice of the friendly and smiling staff. They each are sure to point you in the right direction and find a flavor combination that will leave you eagerly awaiting

Whether you’ve got Plain-Jane scoops or opt for the numerous topping additions that range from sprinkles and crumbles to syrups and sauces Tommi’s has you set this summer for sweet treats you simply cannot beat.

(Photo Credit - Summer Mincks)

Beyond the incredible flavors that will leave your tongue dancing like no one’s watching, Tommi’s has thought of everything to make the little shop super family friendly. Tommi's is complete with everything from affordable prices to tons of options, and my personal favorite, a full clean-up station with a sink and paper towels for sticky hand washing and smiling face cleaning.

The fun cow themed décor of black and white spots blended with hints of bright colors like greens, purples, and pinks leaves the shop with a kid-friendly cool vibe that is both inviting and light-hearted. Sweet signs with sayings like “A balanced diet is an ice cream in each hand” remind you that life is already serious enough, take the time to laugh and smile, even with a mouth full of a frozen tasty treat.

(Photo Credit - Summer Mincks)

So, head on down to Tommi’s on "4th" and "G" next to the railroad tracks and get ready for an experience frozen treats. Because remember, you haven’t had Ice Cream until you’ve had frozen custard, and you truly have not experienced frozen custard until you’ve gotten a scoop from Tommi’s.