Ashley Wilson and her husband Charles purchased a Freezy Street franchise because they wanted to bring something different and cool to New Orleans East. Freezy Street is both.
“My kids loved the original Freezy Street,” said Wilson. “We took my husband after going a few weekends, and he loved it so much. The lines were out the door every night. It was then when I realized they were a big deal.”
Ashley and Charles worked together with Freezy Street owners Adam Enterkin and Frances LaMagna to develop a plan for franchising Freezy Street and opening a second location in New Orleans East.
“We always thought the East would be a great place to be,” Enterkin said. “They wanted it, and we wanted to franchise.”
The Wilson’s, who have lived in New Orleans East for most of their lives, were very intent on bringing this business to their community, and for Enterkin, it was a logical move.
“There are more than 80,000 people in the East and not nearly enough businesses,” said Enterkin.
The Thai rolled ice cream and snoball shop, which opened on May 26, has received excellent feedback from East New Orleans’ residents so far.
“We get ‘thank you for bringing business to the East’ all the time from our customers,” Wilson said. “I like to think we’re helping to fill a gap in the market here.”
That gap is now indeed filled, with quality ice cream.
“Fran and Adam have done a great job with keeping the ice cream high-quality at a reasonable price,” said Wilson. “This is another reason we decided on this franchise. It’s so good, and I’m not just saying that because I own one.”
Wilson’s favorite flavor of rolled ice cream is “Oh’ Puddin,” which she describes as “the most awesome thing I’ve ever tasted.” The ice cream is made with real pudding — yum. As far as the best-selling flavor, Wilson said that would be “Cookie Monster.”
“I can’t lie, I’ve always wanted to open an ice cream shop,” Wilson said. “I reached out to a few ice cream parlors, and I’m so happy we went with Freezy Street. It’s one of the best decisions we’ve ever made.”
Enterkin echoes Wilson’s sentiment, “It makes sense to put a Freezy Street in New Orleans East — where else would you want to go?”
Wilson is excited to have a place in the East where her kids and their friends can come to hang out and enjoy some ice cream in a safe and sweet environment.
Freezy Street now joins the ranks of other New Orleans East favorites like MadChef at 59th Restaurant & Bar. Wilson said she and her husband plan on opening more businesses in the East soon. But for now, they’re working on their second franchise location, which will be on the West Bank.
“We’re just blessed to have an opportunity like this,” said Wilson. “We have been able to create jobs and help our community. It’s been an awesome experience!”
Freezy Street New Orleans East
10709 Chef Menteur Hwy.
Sunday – Thursday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.Friday – Saturday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
@freezystreetnoe
Pictured: Ashley and Charles Wilson, Owners of Freezy Street in New Orleans East.