‘More than an ice cream shop’: Ice Cream 2 celebrates 25 years
Posted Jul 17, 2026 01:03:30 PM.
Last Updated Jul 17, 2026 03:21:54 PM.
An ice cream shop nestled at the corner of a Kitchener plaza has been attracting families, friends and neighbours for 25 years — and it’s all a labour of love for owner Kathy Flanjak.
“Looking back now, I realize that when I opened Ice Cream 2 at 24-years-old, I thought I was opening an ice cream shop. What I was really becoming was part of thousands of family traditions,” said Flanjak. “That is a privilege I never could have imagined.”
Flanjak told CityNews Kitchener she never wanted Ice Cream 2 to be the biggest shop in town; she just wanted it to be someone’s favourite.
She’s achieved that and more over the decades, and Flanjak said she’s still amazed to watch families line up for a treat in the summer heat.
Those lines can stretch long around the plaza parking lot at the corner of River and Fairway roads, and when asked how much ice cream they sell each summer, Flanjak replied, “Honestly, I’ve stopped trying to count!”
She said their freezers are constantly being restocked each day, and they receive multiple deliveries each week to keep up with the demand.
The menu has certainly evolved since the early days, now offering options like dairy-free, sugar-free, and even ‘pup cups’ for your dog, but Flanjak said many of the original flavours are still being offered.
“The funny thing is, it’s actually hard to remove anything from our menu because almost everything has its own loyal following.”
Past meets present
Flanjak has watched her hometown shop become a tradition for families, one generation to the next, whether it’s an ice cream cone or a funnel cake.
“After all these years, that’s probably what makes me happiest,” she said.
There are no plans to open another location, as being located in the Chicopee area feels full circle, since she spent countless winter days on the nearby ski hill when she was a child.
“We love this neighbourhood,” Flanjak said. “This is home.”
Sales offers have also come in over the years, but Flanjak said she’s never seriously considered them, even when the seasonal business faces difficult days.
She pointed to an abundance of community support, including from past and present staff. Ice Cream 2 has served as a reliable job for many local teenagers who get their first work experience over the summer months and return again the following year, or “2.”
“Former employees now return with their own children for ice cream,” explained Flanjak. “Seeing those moments come full circle reminds me that while we may sell ice cream, what we’ve really been creating all these years are memories.”
Flanjak highlighted other important support from their landlords, the City of Kitchener, Ward 2 Councillor Dave Schnider, and even regular customers, some of whom became amazing friends.
There was also one core mentor for Flanjak in the early days.
John Bozoian ran a restaurant equipment warehouse, and the two had a serendipitous encounter at the old Baskin-Robbins in Fairview Park Mall when it was closing permanently.
“I knocked on the glass and caught the attention of one of the men working inside,” Flanjak recounted. “Without even thinking, I blurted out, ‘I’ll take all of it. Please don’t sell it to anyone else!’. That finally got his attention.”
Bozoian handed Flanjak his business card, and the two met the next day.
“Looking back, I realize I didn’t just buy restaurant equipment that day. I met one of the people who would have the greatest influence on my journey as a business owner.”
Flanjak said Bozoian became a guiding light in her entrepreneurship, as he was a successful businessman himself. While he’s since passed away, his impact and legacy live on.
“Twenty-five years later, we’re still using that very same Baskin-Robbins topping bar every single day. Every time I look at it, I’m reminded not only of how close Ice Cream 2 came to never opening at all, but also of the kindness, generosity and mentorship of a man who helped make it possible.”
What’s on the menu?
The Ice Cream 2 menu is a blend of tradition and trend.
They serve real cream soft-serve made with premium Canadian dairy, along with premium hard ice cream. There’s a variety of scratch-made funnel cakes, including “mini” versions if you’re short on appetite.
Frozen yogurt, parfaits, slushies, shakes, and Dole Whip are also fan favourites.
Ice Cream 2 has even started offering popping boba and trendy Dubai-inspired creations.
The staples remain, like their famous Watermelon Sherbet with chocolate seeds, and other flavours that have made mouths water since 2001.
25 years of ice cream
The business at 1401 River Rd. E just celebrated its 25th anniversary, as it first opened on June 29, 2001.
“I’ve been the sole owner since day one,” Flanjak said.
She said every year seems to get busier than the last, which she never takes for granted.
Customers can see Flanjak tending to the business every morning, whether it’s cleaning the outdoor picnic tables, watering plants, or getting the shop ready for the day.
“Running a seasonal business means we continue paying commercial rent throughout the winter while our doors are closed, but we do it happily because we believe in being part of this community for the long haul,” wrote Flanjak. “At the end of every season, we’re incredibly fortunate to receive stacks of handwritten thank-you cards from customers simply thanking us for being part of their lives. I keep many of them.”
In case you were wondering, Flanjak and staff hear one question nearly daily. She said no, there was never an Ice Cream 1.
“It always makes me smile when someone asks.”
