Less than two years after debuting Mid-Missouri's Ice Cream Factory, owners Shannon and Katie Imler are expanding the original Eldon location.
Currently located at 3 S. Mill St., the Ice Cream Factory will expand into a neighboring building, at 302 E. North St., starting Nov. 1.
Ice cream production and packaging equipment will take up the majority of the 5,850-square-foot space, the Imlers said. The facility will also have a large walk-in freezer and offices.
The building currently houses Warehouse 55 event venue, which the Imlers own.
The Imlers knew they needed to expand the Ice Cream Factory, and instead of looking at a separate location, they decided to eliminate the neighboring event venue.
"With the uncertainty of COVID and the convenience of it being right next door, it made most sense for us," Shannon Imler said.
While they are sad to eliminate the event venue, Katie Imler added, they appreciate everyone who supported Warehouse 55 and are "super excited about where this (expansion) will take the Ice Cream Factory."
The Imlers hope to have everything moved into the expanded space by Jan. 1.
With the expansion, Ice Cream Factory in Eldon will occupy 14,000 square feet total, Shannon Imler said.
"It makes us more excited to keep going," Katie Imler added. "It's like an adrenaline rush."
The Imlers opened Ice Cream Factory in Eldon in April 2019. After seeing the Eldon location's success, the Imlers opened a location in Jefferson City in February.
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