Berry Twist continues tradition at new location

By Anna Boone and Allison Werner

The sun beats down as people stand in line at Berry Twist, waiting for their opportunity to order their favorite treat. Colorful posters advertise the popular choices in the large, new windows. A range of people; including locals, students, and even a young baseball team, enjoy their delicacies under the red and blue umbrellas.

Berry Twist, a small ice cream store and restaurant located in Floyds Knobs, has been a hot spot in the community for years. It offers a variety of entrees, including soft pretzels, hot dogs, corn dogs, barbecue sandwiches, and taco salad. In addition to these items, Berry Twist is famous for its frozen treats. They serve their own sherbet, sundaes, floats, and slushies, along with their signature Arctic Swirls. Berry Twist also offers non-fat and sugar-free yogurt for the health-conscious.

On Wednesday, May 25, Berry Twist uprooted its business and moved down the street to a new location after remaining in the original building since it opened in 1977. The new building, located at 3660 Paoli Pike Unit#1,has a drive thru, which is a new addition to the business.

“I like the new location because you can eat outside and you still have a drive thru,” said junior Shawn Baumann.

Sophomore Maria Noyes agrees with Baumann, but still misses aspects of the old location.

“I feel that the new location is more convenient because of the drive thru, but I have so many memories from the old one. I also liked the grass area at the old one,” said Noyes.

Senior Alyana Ladha said the move has generated more business and is helpful because there is more space to work in. Ladha has been an employee at Berry Twist for four years.

“[I started working there because] it was close to home. I’ve always loved ice cream and it seemed like a good fit,” said Ladha.

One of Berry Twist’s most popular items is their Arctic Swirls. Offered in 12 different flavors with six more flavors in the Signature Swirl, the Arctic Swirl is a blend of soft serve with the flavor of choice.

“My favorite item on the menu is the Oreo Arctic Swirl,” said Baumann. This is also the treat of preference for Noyes.

Despite the recent changes Berry Twist has undergone, it still keeps the original tradition alive.

“We’re local and homegrown. Everyone who comes to Berry Twist has been coming there for most of their childhood and now their children’s childhood,” said Ladha.

Polly’s Freeze serves generations of ice cream-lovers

By Rebekah Landers

Stepping into Polly’s Freeze is like stepping into a childhood memory. The squeals of little children flood the air, the drippy sweet icecream is piled on top of a crisp cone, the building is surrounded by trees and little concrete benches giving it a country home-like environment. Polly’s Freeze has been in operation since the early 1950’s and not many changes have been made.

Elmer and Polly Glietz bought the property in 1952 originally for their filling station, or gas station, which they moved from downtown Louisville. They ran it for a few years until Polly decided she wanted to run an ice cream and food stand, The Glietz’s ran it for many years until they decided to hand down their shop to their children. Donna and her husband, Paul Eisert, took the shop under their wing making it what it is today.

In 2009 the Eisert’s decided to retire and honor one of the Polly’s Freeze loyal family members with the manager position. Penny Boder ran Polly’s with her husband until 2011 when they decided to pursue something else.The manager position was then passed to experienced employee’s Mike and Cara Rothrock at the beginning of 2011.

Even after years of being passed down, and times changing, the warm customer service and pleasant environment still is present at today’s Polly’s Freeze.

“Everyone is so friendly every time we come here,” said customer Brandy K. “We have so many memories here. I used to come here when I was a kid and now I take my kids.”

Growing up to Polly’s is a memory that many high schoolers have experienced and share with their parents.

Lisa Smith said, “I remember back 23 years ago coming here with my teenage group of friends and now I bring my teenage daughter to hang out with her friends.”

A father, Jon, brings his boys to get ice cream after every baseball game his kids win.

An older couple, Mary and Denny Voelker, said they both have gone to Polly’s for 50 years.

Denny said, “I went here as a child, then we took our children, now we take our grandchildren.”

“It’s such a wonderful environment and the kids can play, everything is just so nice,” said Mary.

The couple shared stories of their memories and how they grew up around Polly’s, and right before they were just about to leave, Mary said, “I really hope it continues to stay this way because it is an icon to this area.”

Customers do not have anything negative to say about the establishment. Some customers argue that the prices are too high, but many others are happy with their continued visits.

Jon said, “The prices are perfect and for the quality of the food they could even be raised.”

Unanimously, the one thing people liked best was the pleasant and happy atmosphere.

Vickie B, an older woman from New Albany, said, “I wouldn’t care if the food tasted like garbage, the wonderful environment is a treat itself.”

Sophomore Tierney Flaherty said, “I’ve never been to Berry Twist, don’t have a reason to with Polly’s being so good.”

Polly’s Freeze offers a loving, warm, family environment. Polly’s is open Monday through Friday 10:30-10:00 and until 10:30 on the weekends. To enjoy the heritage and delicious treats of Polly’s freeze turn left on State Road 62 keep straight for about a mile and a half and look for the iconic neon parrot.

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