Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst has chosen Tootsie’s Ice Cream & More of Benton County as her Small Business of the Week.
In 2012, Iowa native Corey Seibert purchased what had been known for more than 50 years as Leon’s Malt Shop, which he renamed Tootsie’s Ice Cream & More after his mother. Since then, it has expanded to two locations in Vinton and at the former Union Station location in La Porte City, which include more than 20 employees.
In addition to their signature ice cream and desserts, Tootsie’s serves Iowa classics like pork tenderloin sandwiches and broasted chicken. Delivery is also available from the restaurant’s Vinton location, which also has a drive-through window.
Tootsie’s Ice Cream & More also gives back to the community by collaborating with the Vinton Library to provide a treat for all students participating in the library’s summer reading program.
“Tootsie’s Ice Cream & More is a family-owned and operated business that is rooted in a love for community,” Ms. Ernst said in a release. “Whether you’re there for dinner or getting straight to the pint, the Seibert family gifts a Tootsie Roll with every purchase and is dedicated to serving delicious food that creates lasting memories for anyone who visits.”
Ms. Ernst became the ranking member of the Senate’s Small Business Committee in 2023, and plans to recognize a small business weekly in every one of Iowa’s 99 counties during the current congressional session.
A Republican and a native of Red Oak in southwest Iowa, Ms. Ernst has served as the junior United States senator from Iowa since 2015. She previously served in the Iowa State Senate from 2011 to 2014 and as auditor of Montgomery County from 2004 to 2011. She is the fourth-ranking Republican in the Senate.
