Eco-chic ice cream shop shows it’s cool to be green

ST. LOUIS, Mo. --- Peace out plastic spoons, sayonara Styrofoam – Dottie’s Ice Cream Parlor is “saving the planet one scoop at a time” with its eco-friendly operations. From solar powered signage to trash cans made from recycled milk cartons, Dottie’s has made caring for the planet one sweet treat.

The shop, located across from Ahner’s Nursery on Manchester, held its ribbon cutting and Grand Opening on Friday, December 11. Owned by native St. Louisan Elaine Hauck and managed by Tracy Hail and Sharon Ryan, Dottie’s environmentally conscious business operations provide patrons delectable desserts, while educating them in a fun and delicious way.

“It’s important to show children how to be proactive in respecting the planet with an experience they enjoy,” Hauck said. “Why not start with ice cream?”

The eco-chic environment is aesthetically and environmentally pleasing, and the unique flavor fusion that Dottie’s Flavor Burst soft serve machine offers has local kids abuzz. Grown-ups also appreciate Dottie’s for the cool atmosphere, fabulous flavors, and reasonable prices – a small soft serve cone is only $1.59. While Dottie’s saves on energy, they splurge on flavor, offering both premium soft serve and hand dipped ice creams from local producers Prairie Farms and Ronnie’s Ice Cream.

“We’re often asked, ‘How do you make ice cream sustainable?’” Hauck said. “In actuality, the ice cream itself isn’t detrimental to the environment; it’s the cups, spoons, and long-distance distribution that has a much larger impact.”

Dottie’s eco-friendly operations can be seen from the moment patrons view the solar powered sign. Guests walk across doormats made with 100% recycled material to view a shop filled with repurposed substances. Employees donning hemp and bamboo uniforms serve ice cream in cones and corn-based PLA (corn resin) coated cups. Patrons scoop their treats with spoons made out of potato starch and corn oil and sip from straws made from corn and coated in PLA. Dottie’s also employs composting to dispose of its serve-ware, which biodegrades within 30 to 45 days.

All of these efforts have paid off, earning Dottie’s recognition as the first ice cream shop to become a Certified Green Restaurant®. The rigorous certification process requires a certain level of sustainability and use of recycled or repurposed materials in everything from operations to furnishings. In order to maintain their certification status, businesses must remain committed to continue implementing eco-friendly business practices.

“We designed Dottie’s to be green, and we were able to do so without sacrificing style; it is important that our patrons enjoy the entire experience that Dottie’s offers – from the ice cream to the atmosphere,” Hauck said.

The stylish interior includes booths with 100% recycled fabric and tabletops made from recycled glass and concrete. Paper products, including napkins, paper towels, business cards, and nametags are made from 100% recycled materials. Dottie’s appliances and electronics are Energy Star certified, and the store participates in AmerenUE’s Pure Power program, which supports renewable energy resources in the Midwest. Even the name is reused – the original “Dottie’s Ice Cream” was operated by Hauck’s mother, Dottie Ryan, in the 1970s.

“My mom’s ice cream shop was a great place for members of the community to gather – after little league games, family outings, or local events, people would go to Dottie’s,” Hauck said. “We hope that the new Dottie’s Ice Cream can serve the same purpose.”

Nestled among Kirkwood, Frontenac, Glendale, Town and Country, and Des Peres at 11656 Manchester Road across from Ahner’s Nursery, Dottie’s Ice Cream Parlor has plenty of communities to serve.