What’s the scoop? That depends on who you ask at Moo Joe’s Ice Cream. Some people like the Fat Elvis, a banana and peanut butter ice cream. Others may opt for the Exhausted Parent, which packs a punch of bourbon in its espresso chip. 

Community members can now try those flavors and more at Moo Joe’s flagship retail location located at 2002 Central Street, where the brand replaced the former Parlor on Central in December. While the store has limited hours as it transitions fully into Moo Joe’s during the winter months, a grand opening is expected in mid-March to early April, complete with community activities and updated flavor offerings.

Moo Joe’s is the sister brand to Billy Bricks Pizza; both are part of Billy Bricks Restaurant Group. Billy Bricks began as a pizza restaurant in Downtown Lombard, Illinois, before graduating to a franchise complete with pizza trucks. 

After additional ice cream trucks began following Billy Brick’s trucks, the company introduced its own Moo Joe’s trucks to compete with the entourage. 

In a press release sent to The Daily, CEO of Billy Bricks Restaurant Group Ric Gruber Jr. wrote that he’s “honored” to expand the brand with “additional locations, a fleet of pizza trucks, and now, ice cream.”  

“Who doesn’t love pizza and ice cream?” Gruber wrote.

Moo Joe’s flagship brick-and-mortar location in Evanston represents both the fulfillment of a 20-year dream and a milestone in the brand’s growth, according to a press release. 

Founder Bill Wilson originally planned to open his first restaurant in Evanston, according to Craig Granzetto, Chief Revenue Officer of Billy Bricks, but the location didn’t work out. Now, Wilson’s goal is finally achieved.

“It’s just, like, full circle,” he said.

The Moo Joe’s food trucks are designed and painted by Chicago artist Sick Fisher, who also outfitted the new Moo Joe’s interior with his signature style.

Having grown up and raised his own sons in Evanston, Granzetto added that he believes the style of the shop will mesh well with the neighborhood. 

“It’s a hip little vibe that we’ve got going, and Central Street’s very cool and hip,” Granzetto said.

Looking forward to engaging further with the community, Granzetto hopes that with the extended flavor offerings permitted by a brick-and-mortar location, customers will indulge in a wider variety of flavors. He anticipates the addition of shakes and sundaes, as well as seasonal offerings, highlighting pumpkin in the fall and peppermint in the winter.

With the first retail location under their belts, Granzetto said the group is excited about the possibility of further expansion, in due time. 

“In the next three years, I would like to have, you know, five, six more solo locations of just Moo Joe’s,” Granzetto said.

Email: [email protected] 

Related Stories: 

— Central Street ice cream parlor aims to become Evanston staple

— Tree lighting, trolley rides bring community together during Central Street Holiday Stroll

— Korean-inspired shop Wafflavor creates sense of community among customers