Vicky Kuharski, Staff Writer~
With one ice cream shop in downtown Lynchburg closing, another is ready and willing to step into its place.
MayLynn’s Creamery has been a longtime staple of the Boonsboro Shopping Center, where the food truck has operated for six years. With the closing of Ice Cream Dream, which was open for a year-and-a-half, MayLynn’s owners Becky and Josh Kirk were able to seize the opportunity to expand into the downtown area.
The Kirks decided to open their ice cream truck in June of 2013 after a work accident left Josh bedridden for several months and he was told he would be unable to work construction again. In that time, he was able to research pursuing a career in ice cream. Kirk said that he researched many different opportunities, but ice cream seemed to suit him the best.
And suit them, it has. After holding two very successful soft openings, the Kirks decided to go ahead and open the doors to the public.
MayLynn’s offers a multitude of ice cream flavors, toppings and sauces to mix and match. Kirk said that he was excited to expand into a building to be able to try his hand at rolled ice cream, a crowd favorite with the previous business. They will also offer vegan options, which will not be listed on the menu but available to those interested.
The business is also supporting two local companies in conjunction with their own. They are supporting hand-dipped ice cream from Sluggos in Madison Heights, as well as locally sourcing the ingredients in their smoothie bowls.
The smoothie bowls are an excellent option for those that want a sweet treat without the guilt. The smoothies are vegan friendly, gluten-free and packed with probiotics and superfoods. They are blended with almond milk and granola, then topped with fresh fruit. The product was an instant success; MayLynn’s sold out of the bowls within a week of opening.
Owner Josh Kirk was very excited to see the influx of customers so far, new and old. Being in the downtown location has opened a door for new customers and demographics that the food truck was not pulling in, in the Boonsboro location. He said that everyone seemed receptive and happy about the opening of a new ice cream spot in the downtown area.
The business will be open at least ten months out of the year, with a possibility of closing in January and February. Kirk assured that the original food truck is still remaining open at the Boonsboro location while the downtown business opens and grows.
There will be a 10 percent student discount for all area colleges. Kirk made mention of future events, so be sure to keep up with them and what they are doing on their website or social media.