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Ever since working at a Cedar Rapids Dairy Queen as a teenager, Cari Nguyen wanted to own an ice cream store.
Her dream is now a reality.
Ms. Nguyen and her husband, Nicholas, are the new co-owners of the Kool Moo, which has operated continuously at 1020 Old Marion Road NE since 1973 and officially opened for the season in mid-May.
“Working at Dairy Queen was my favorite job,” Ms. Nguyen said. “I always said, ‘one day, I'm going to own an ice cream shop.’ So, when this came up for sale [in early April], we came to look at it, and 20 minutes later we made an offer. By that night, we were owners.”
The Kool Moo’s previous owner, Mary Weston, decided to retire this spring after 20 years, often operating the store alone. But for the Nguyens, running the Kool Moo will be a family affair.
On a recent Saturday, Ms. Nguyen’s mother and daughter were working alongside her, and other family members will often be on site as well, including the Nyuyens’ son and Ms. Nguyen’s sister.
Ms. Nguyen said she hopes to keep the Kool Moo in the family for generations to come.
“Our older two (kids) are 13 and 14, so with them getting older and being able to start to work, we want to instill in them at a young age that you can work and also have fun while doing it,” she said. “In the last couple of years, kids have seen their parents so exhausted from work and they’d think, ‘I don't want to do that when I grow up.’ I want them to realize at a young age that work doesn't have to be exhausting, as long as you are doing something you enjoy.
“With Dad owning another business, they see how much running a business can take from you, but at the same time how rewarding it is to own your own business,” she added. “I think at first, that was a little terrifying for them. But now that we're open, they’re asking me, ‘can I go with you to the shop today?’ It's something that they're already looking forward to.”
While neighborhood residents and longtime patrons are well aware of the Kool Moo, Ms. Nguyen said it can be challenging for passers-by to notice the business, even along the busy Old Marion Road. The store sits next to a large privacy fence in the shadow of Mulligan’s Pub, a much larger facility that can somewhat shield visibility.
“(Mary had) quite a few customers that had been coming here for 20 years,” Ms. Nguyen said. “She made that customer base, and people are just glad that we've kept it going.”
Ms. Nguyen said she doesn’t plan to make major changes to Kool Moo’s menu, since regulars have come to enjoy the store’s offerings. She is, however, adding one new item – Pineapple Dole Whip, an option for those who crave a frozen treat but need an option that’s lactose-free, dairy-free, gluten-free and vegan friendly.
Ms. Nguyen said she does plan to beef up Kool Moo’s social media presence through platforms like Instagram, as well as exploring other advertising options and involvement in community-based programs. And she also plans to keep Kool Moo’s name, and the brand equity it represents.
“That was one big thing (Mary) asked when we were making our offer – ‘what's your plan? Do you plan to change the name?’” Ms. Nguyen said. “We said we don't need to change that. It wasn't anything we had thought about at all.”
And while the Nguyens will be operating the Kool > Moo alongside other business ventures – Mr. Nguyen owns a roofing and construction firm, while Ms. Nguyen works for a local chiropractor – Ms. Nguyen said she’s excited to return to a business she’s loved since childhood, and the joy it brings to others.
“When I quit the Dairy Queen job, it was a sad thing for me,” she said. “It was like leaving an era that I didn't want to leave, but I knew I needed to leave as I was becoming a mother. Ice cream just brings happiness to people. And to see the little kids whose faces light up and the memories we can make – we're excited to get into this and just keep giving people what they’re used to, if not better.”
