EAST LIVERPOOL, Ohio – The owners of the newest business to open in the city’s downtown hope customers will appreciate its nostalgic atmosphere and its nod to local history.
Crockery City Creamery & Confectionery, 206 E. Fifth St., debuted Friday with a soft opening. Owners Bill and Mary Beth Jones welcomed family and friends to the shop.
The turnout was “very brisk” and the comments “very favorable” as invitees tasted 16 ice cream flavors and a variety of chocolates and candies, Mary Beth said.
The business officially opened Saturday, which was planned by the couple to be part of the city’s Christmas celebration.
The Joneses have always been community-minded. After a long firefighting career and retiring as the city’s fire chief, Bill serves as the city’s service-safety director. Mary Beth is the city health district nurse and co-chairwoman of the East Liverpool Beautification Society.
“We both grew up here and both have all the great memories of what East Liverpool used to be. We believe other people remember and want that also,” Mary Beth said.
They don’t expect to become millionaires from the business, she added.
“A new venture had been in the back of our minds for a long time, and we were able to bring it forth now when this space became available,” Mary Beth said. “We like the location and think the space is good, so we jumped on it quickly.”
The building has a long retail history. Kormos Millinery, Fifth Street Bridal, Doc C’s Place, Fifth Street Sampler and, most recently, Fresh on Fifth formerly filled the space.
When the Fresh on Fifth cafe relocated to the newly renovated True North building, that enabled the Joneses to start their enterprise.
“It’s been nonstop since then,” Mary Beth said. “We wanted it to have sort of an old-timey ice cream parlor look, and ice cream is easier. There’s no cooking involved.”
The couple installed new wiring and flooring, cleaned and painted and hung wallpaper in retro colors of pink, white and black. They added school house-style hanging lights, ice cream parlor tables and chairs and cabinetry from the nearby Pottery City Antique Mall.
“I understand about technology, advancement and progress, which we’re all for, but I think there’s a place for this too,” she said. “We think people will appreciate the local flavor. I think that’s been part of the beautification society’s success. They remember what it used to be and want that again.”
The Joneses also believe it’s important to support other local businesses. Keystone Printing printed the napkins and logos for their cups; Riverside Restaurant provided paper products; and Riverview Florists and Petal and Pearl provided bows and ribbons.
Mary Beth also pointed to assistance from the couple’s friends and family in starting the business.
People donated artifacts, including 1932 wrappers from the original Crockery City Ice Products, Brewery and Creamery that are displayed on the walls.
Mary Beth’s boss, city Health Commissioner Carol Cowan, hung wallpaper, and Bill’s administrative assistant, Jennifer Barrett, designed the shop’s logo.
The shop offers 16 flavors of Perry’s Premium Hard Ice Cream, which will rotate and are available in cones, dishes, sundaes, sodas, floats and milkshakes.
The milkshake machine holds a special place as the business’s “first employee,” having been named Don Jones in honor of Bill’s late father.
Also featured are Waggoner’s Premium Chocolates handmade in Canton, with both loose and boxed versions available. Sugar-free chocolates are also offered.
The shop also carries bagged candies from Amish stores in Berlin, Ohio, and Mary Beth said there will be “some great stocking stuffers” available, including lollipops, gum drops and chocolate Santa Clauses.
Future offerings will likely change as the seasons change, according to the owners. Shaved ice during the summer and event catering are possibilities, according to Bill. Additional tables and chairs will be added inside, and as the weather improves, outside seating will be added.
While family members are the only employees, Mary Beth said they expect to be hiring, possibly high school students, in the near future.
“We can’t thank our friends and family enough for their love and support. People have been amazing and very encouraging and supportive,” Mary Beth said.
Pictured at top: Mary Beth Jones, right, co-owner of Crockery City Creamery & Confectionery, with her daughter, Meredith Glista, and grandson, Luke Glista.