Libby’s Ice cream and Gifts is now located on Broadway Street in Fortville.
Submitted photo
Editor’s note: The Daily Reporter will feature our “Neighbors” regularly, whether it be someone with an interesting hobby or profession, or a nonprofit group making a difference in our community. Here, owner Libby Wyatt shares about Libby’s Ice Cream and Gifts, which was founded in Fortville and shortly after expanded to Greenfield. Libby’s is celebrating a new building in Fortville with another store coming soon to McCordsville.
Daily Reporter: How did you decide to get into the ice cream business?
Libby Wyatt: Our retail shop was located across the street from the ice cream parlor. It was a town favorite and where my family would walk to get ice cream after dinner. After they closed in the fall of 2018, I experienced the loss of somewhere to take my family, somewhere to walk to—and I wasn’t alone. I would watch other families disappointed that there wasn’t ice cream on Main Street too. When it was evident they weren’t re-opening, we decided to add ice cream to the shop.
DR: When did you expand to Greenfield?
LW: In 2021, we branched out and added a location in Greenfield. It was a walk-up, seasonal operation on the other side of Depot Street Park where we are now. We moved to our current location in 2023 and have had two great summers there—- four total in Greenfield.
DR: Why did you recently move your Fortville location to 222 W. Broadway St.?
LW: Main Street has always been amazing, but as it becomes more popular it has become harder for my customers to get to us. After five great years of ice cream on Main Street, we found the opportunity to move to Broadway Street where we have our own parking lot, drive-thru and party room. We are excited to add soft serve to the menu too!
DR: When will you open a store in McCordsville?
LW: We are excited to be tenants in the NineStar building. We plan to open – hopefully – summer 2025. That location will have a walk-up window on a patio near the walking trail, and all of the treats we currently offer: cotton candy, ice cream cakes and hand-scooped ice cream?
DR: Why has the community been so supportive of Libby’s?
LW: We serve the best ice cream in Hancock County. We’re a family-owned business and live in Fortville. We enjoy supporting other local businesses in our area and are active in philanthropic organizations that give back to our community. But mostly the reason the community supports us is our amazing staff. This is a first job for most of our team, and they’re learning how to provide great customer service, work hard and give back.
DR: Where does your ice cream come from?
LW: The hand-dipped ice cream comes from Sundaes, made locally in Indianapolis. We make our own soft serve at our Fortville location.
DR: What is your personal favorite treat?
LW: Oh, there are so many but I really love the gluten-free Sammie (ice cream sandwich).
DR: What’s the most popular item on the menu?
LW: We have a lot of amazing flavors, but Graham Central Station is the one people go nuts over! Milkshakes and tornadoes are our most popular items. Any of the other flavors can be made into a milkshake, and the tornado is the ice cream blended with your choice of candy.
For more, visit facebook.com/libbysicecreamandgifts, call 317-496-4576 or email [email protected].
