Despite the coronavirus, ice cream and potting soil still in demand

Looking to the year 2020, maybe even the brightest economist couldn’t have predicted that drive through ice cream and potting soil would be some of the hottest buys right now despite almost everyone facing financial hardships.

The coronavirus has no question taken its toll on our local small businesses, mighty and dedicated as they may be. However, some local businesses that have been able to remain open or adapt to online-only sales are finding their niche during the pandemic — in part thanks to our love of ice cream and spring gardening.

Of course, our hearts are with all our local restaurants, shops, salons and other businesses that had no other choice than to close doors. We cannot wait until all the “OPEN” signs are turned back around and we can return to support local businesses more than ever.

FRANK’S TAKE: Engagement during coronavirus: ‘Fear is contagious. But so is the joy.’

Until then, Jubie’s Creamery in Fairborn is doing its best to bring even a moment of happiness to people, in the form of heaping ice cream cones.

Before Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine ordered Ohioans to stay at home unless absolutely necessary, Jubie’s has regularly had a long line of cars at its drive through. Even after the order, Jubie’s owner Julie Domicone, said business is about where it normally would be this time of year, despite the coronavirus.

“I think it’s just kind of a little brightness in people’s day with all this uncertainty going on, which is really nice to see,” Domicone said. “We’re following all of the protocols and implementing extra things to make sure we’re as little of a risk as possible.”

FRANKS’ TAKE: Neighborhood kids are getting creative with their time

Jubie’s is operating on shortened winter hours, 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. every day, and is drive-thru only until the coronavirus pandemic is over.

As bad as the situation might get, it’s not looking good for COVID-19 in its effort to take away all our simple pleasures. That applies to spring gardening and yard projects, too.

Sue Eckert, owner of Greive Hardware in Kettering, said Friday business was booming as people preparing to be stuck at home planned to make the most of it.

FRANKS’ TAKE: Meals on Wheels drivers have some advice for us

“Everyone’s got a project, be it painting, plumbing, electrical. You name it,” she said.

But they still had to reduce their hours, she said, because her older workers are staying home for their safety and she doesn’t have enough staff to stay open normal hours.

“It’s mostly my young men,” she said of her young work crew. “They’re off school, so they love it.”

Popular items, she said, are yard materials such as topsoil, potting soil and mulch.

So may your spring gardening commence, your home projects be succesful and your ice cream reward be an extra large.

About the Author