Olive Bean uses a refurbished 1930’s malt machine to craft authentic old-timey shakes.If you go
Olive Bean is at 1404 James Blvd. and can be reached at 805-4888. For more information, visit facebook.com/OliveBeanNaturalGroceryAndCafe.
Olive Bean has transformed its former grocery section into an old-fashioned ice cream parlor that has been attracting mountain residents of all ages.
“It complements the cafe, and we enjoy doing the dessert side of things,” said Shannon Handy, who co-owns the family business. “We also noted there’s no ice cream shop up here.”
The 1920’s ice box previously used for refrigeration in the back of the store fits in perfectly with the old-timey pharmacy soda fountain atmosphere, as do the swivel chairs facing the bar that Handy said local children have come to love.
“It keeps with the 1920’s general store building,” she said of the feel of the new ice cream parlor. “It’s nice to see different types of people coming in now that we have ice cream. Kids are coming in more often, so it’s more fun for us, and we see families coming in to meet other families.”