It’s never too cold for ice cream, especially when it’s for a good cause! Howdy Homemade Ice Cream is a national franchise with a heartfelt purpose and vision. Their purpose is to create career opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities. The vision of Howdy’s is to bring the joy of amazing ice cream to the hearts of communities, by remarkable individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities that they call “our heroes.” 

Bossier City is now home to Howdy Homemade Ice Cream by Holy Angels, located at 2850 Douglas Drive.

Toni Goodin, the director of business development for Holy Angels said, “We have always been in Shreveport. We sell Howdy’s at our store on campus at the Holy Angels facility and our other two store locations. Last year when we were looking for somewhere to put a freestanding Howdy’s we wanted a presence in Bossier because we have so many clients who are here and we want to grow our presence in Bossier.”

Howdy’s wants to provide a safe working environment for all of its “heroes.”

“We have heroes in Bossier who need a place to work and we are providing them that safe place. They get to make ice cream, scoop ice cream, greet customers, host events, and so much more,” said Goodin.

As Howdy’s in Bossier City approaches its first birthday on Thursday, January 23, Goodin reflected on the fact that this time last year around opening it was 30 degrees.

“We were talking about how it is 30 degrees in January and who is gonna want to buy ice cream in January, but it’s about making sure people know about our mission, giving back, and giving them a safe place to work,” said Goodin.

To further help the “heroes” become comfortable in their new roles, they undergo training to ensure safety and the proper execution of the job duties.

“Our heroes and other employees participate in orientation and then the store manager and team lead train them on how to make ice cream, scoop the ice cream, open the store, work the register, host events, and more. Although we have ‘heroes’ working for us, they are held accountable, which will help them grow and become better individuals,” said Goodin. “I have watched all of our heroes grow. One of our heroes interviewed on the news station and she had us all in tears as she expressed how we have provided her an opportunity to grow as a person and an independent employee.”

“Howdy’s Homemade Ice Cream is different from the others because it is gourmet ice cream! 50 percent of the ice cream is cream, we do not skimp on ingredients and our heroes also make it,” said Goodin.

There are also many different unique flavors to choose from.

“Last year we wanted a Christmas flavor and came up with peppermint cream. We also have a King Cake flavor and partnered up with Lowder’s Baking Company, their king cake is in our ice cream, and we also have a Pina Colada flavor. Although there is a book of Howdy Flavors, we get to play around with flavors and recipes, and it’s fun,” Goodin said. 

If you are ready to experience the magic of Howdy’s Ice Cream, you can come into the storefront, and book them for a birthday party, a school event, or a catering event. That’s right, they also cater events with homemade recipes including cookies!

Goodin’s advice to other businesses who are considering hiring individuals with disabilities is to just do it!

“I will tell other businesses to go for it! It’s needed in the community, they are trainable, they do a great job, they show up, they want to be there, and that makes a big difference. You may have to spend a little more time with these individuals, but at the end of the day knowing you are doing a good service and providing a safe environment for individuals that want to be at work is the right thing to do.”

Howdy’s Homemade Ice Cream, Bossier City will celebrate its one-year birthday on January 23. You can get in on the fun by visiting Howdy by Holy Angels for their birthday celebration at  2850 Douglas Drive. 

Location:  2850 Douglas Drive, Bossier City

Phone: 318-798-9426

Email: laholyangels.org 

Facebook: Howdy by Holy Angels