Jersey Cow brings homemade goodness all-year long

by d elaney crawF ord Editor

northField – Two couples and one construction site turned owning an ice cream shop from a side gig into another successful business.

Jesse and Dawn Bishoff along with Maureen Gaw and Rob Lancaster opened the newest ice cream shop on the block, Jersey Cow, this past September.

Lancaster says they decided to open and run Jersey Cow on the side of their already established construction business, Custom Building Solution. The Bishoffs have four kids and thought the ice cream shop might be something they could inherit or run in their later years.

“We weren’t sure which direction we wanted to go with it at first and then decided to make our own ice cream,” Lancaster said. “We decided to make it with all high-end ingredients and thought it would only cater to a niche group. Everyone likes it a lot more than I thought they would.”

Due to the high demand and popularity since opening a few months ago, the owners’ original plan has already changed. Lancaster says he had no idea that the business would run through the winter or how busy the shop would be on a daily basis.

While they had plans to close around Thanksgiving and Christmas, the surrounding neighborhood told them they should stay open. The owners obliged and Jersey Cow has continued to be busy no matter the weather.

Residents of Northfield and the surrounding communities have flocked to the shop to try the homemade treats. On any day this past winter, you may have noticed customers waiting in line, huddled against the heaters positioned out front.

The most popular ice cream flavors are Cookie Monster and The Barn. Jersey Cow also has other unique flavors, such as purple Asian Yam, Black Sesame, Blueberry Lavender and many vegan options.

Customers can order pint-sized containers of any flavor to go. The shop also sells ice cream pies and cakes. Everything is made in-house including the different toppings, cones and even the whipped cream.

The exterior of Jersey Cow might look a little different then your typical ice cream shop and Lancaster says that was intentional. The owners built the shop themselves and used it as a way to also show customers what their construction company could do. Lancaster says that the nicer look of the shop correlates well with the quality ingredients used to make everything.

Northfield was the place to be in the owners’ eyes since the Bishoffs noticed there wasn’t a lot of competition. Lancaster said that being on the corner of a busy street also helps.

“There is no cutting of expenses for ingredients here,” Lancaster said. “The customers say they don’t mind paying the higher prices because of how good they think it is.”

The shop adds a fun and clean community spot to hang out. While the weather turns warmer and ice cream becomes even more popular, think of stopping in to taste the homemade treats at Jersey Cow.