It is a sight to make your mouth water. Chocolate. Chocolate. And more delectable chocolate. Here at Mitchell's Premium Ice Cream and Candies in south suburban Homewood, sweet treats are business as usual.
Mitchell's has been around since 1931. Before moving to Homewood in the early 1970's, it was a fixture in the south shore neighborhood at 71st and Luella. That's where new owner Jeffrey Himmel got his first scoop.
"As a child growing up in the '50s and '60s in South Shore, my family regularly went to Mitchell's for hot fudge and chocolate chip ice cream," he said.
Himmel purchased Mitchell's after visiting the store to pick up ice cream for his family and learning it was the store's last day open before closing forever. The owner, George Mitchell, was set to retire.
"We came down here, about an hour's time talking. We shook hands and that's how we acquired Mitchell's," Himmel said.
Himmel is president and CEO of Bravo Restaurants, home to Chicago staples Ed Debevics, Eduardo's and Gino East Pizza. Michell's now supplies all of the ice cream for its sister restaurants. Beginning this spring, it will also be available for purchase in most Chicago-area grocery stores.
"It is exactly what it was when I was a kid," said Himmel. "I worked very hard when we acquired the business working with Mr. Mitchell to ensure that the procedures and products were identical."
If you can't wait to get a taste, you can drop by for a sample during the village of Homewood's annual Chocolate Fest.
CG= Rachael Jones - Marketing Manager, Village of Homewood "Between 6-800 people come out to sample delicious recipes from national and indie confectioners and we have a bake-off competition," said Rachael Jones, Village of Homewood marketing manager. "There are kid activities, strawberry dipping, cupcake frosting. It's a wonderful time for people to get out of the house."
The 12th annual Chocolate Fest is Saturday, February 15th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Homewood Flossmoor Park District auditorium. Admission is free.
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