ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – On June 7, an Escanaba ice cream shop celebrated its 65th anniversary.
Since serving its first cone in 1958, Jim’s Dari-Kreme has only changed ownership a handful of times. It was opened by its namesake, Jim Ungers.
The woman who owned the shop most recently, Dona LaPorte, was at the helm the longest. She ran Jim’s Dari-Kreme for 40 years.
“Now it’s moved on to her family–her grandsons, myself,” said current owner Trevor Sebeck.
Sebeck says he knew he had big shoes to fill when he took over. Now, in his third season as manager, he says the community has been just as supportive as ever.
“We even have some out-of-towners that come in yearly to visit family or just travel through to visit family, and you hear that, ‘We have to stop every time,'” Sebeck said. “You don’t necessarily consider yourself a tourist stop; it’s more of keeping the history going and keeping the whole downhome family feel.”
Boasting the “biggest cone in town,” Jim’s is an Escanaba staple. According to Sebeck, it mostly relies on its reputation and word of mouth for continued success.
“Having the longest-running shop in Escanaba, it’s one of those things where when you say the name, people know what it is,” he said. “They recognize the street corner; they know exactly how to get there.”
Sebeck says it has been a joy to keep all the shop’s traditions alive, including the annual Pajama Party.
The Pajama Party is Jim’s way of ringing in each summer. Families enjoyed food from Bobaloon’s Cafe, balloon animals, and deals on frozen treats. Everyone has their favorite, ranging from watermelon ice cream and slushies to orange pineapple malts and unicorn sundaes.
Sebeck says he can’t wait for the next 65 years.
“It’s just the nostalgia of the place,” he said. “Trying to keep it as close to the original but still updating as we go along, people look forward to it.”
Jim’s Dari-Kreme is located at 1201 Washington Avenue.
