Mobile ice cream business put on market

Last edited 9:07 a.m., Jan. 25, 2024 [Editor's note: Information from Jack Powderly has been added.]

The owners of a nearly 2-year-old mobile ice cream venture have put the business up for sale.

The Swirly’s Ice Cream & Waffles food trailer owned by Jack and Kenzie Powderly announced it's seeking new ownership in a Jan. 22 Facebook post.

"While we’re thankful for the time we’ve owned Swirly’s – and all the joys that have come with it – we’ve decided that it’s best to sell the business," the post reads, citing health issues and the addition of another child. "Simply put, we know what it is going to take to make this business successful but can’t give it at this time."

Swirly’s, which is currently closed for winter, does not intend to reopen this spring without new ownership, said Jack Powderly. He said a business prospectus on the potential sale would be available soon.

Swirly’s opened in July 2022, and the business has been regularly parked at 3867 S. Campbell Ave. in the Parkcrest Center, according to past Springfield Business Journal reporting. The ice cream machine used by Swirly’s mixes dozens of ingredients into a chocolate or vanilla base to craft its frozen concoctions, and the eatery sells “bubble” waffles that can serve as a cone substitute or as a standalone item.

Jack Powderly previously told SBJ that startup costs were $40,000, which included $30,000 for the trailer.