Stillwells Ice Cream in Alton Bay relocating ... across the street

When she read that Stillwells Ice Cream was relocating its Alton Bay shop, one customer posted on Facebook about how disappointed she was, because the Stillwells’ cones are so “HUGE.”

Turns out the family business is only moving across the street, though, from 18 Mount Major Hwy, to the WinniPutt building at 5 Mount Major. The two businesses will collaborate.

Owner Arielle Wolfe, of Derry, who runs the shop with her son, Silas, is also relieved. “We’re excited to be able to collaborate with the mini golf course, and be able to offer customers a fun night out with some ice cream and mini golf,” she said. “It’s nice, because it’s literally across the street, so hopefully that’s an easy transition.”

Month-long search

Stillwells Ice Cream is a family-run business, founded in Atkinson, in 2002, by Wolfe’s parents, Peggy and the late Peter Wolfe. That location was later moved to Plaistow, and Peggy has a second store in Freemont, as well.

Wolfe and her son run the shops in Alton Bay, Exeter, Hampton and Raymond.

Earlier this year, Wolfe learned from the landlord in Alton Bay they needed to find a new location. She posted on Facebook, “We have loved our 13 years in the bay. Our new landlords have decided they would like us to leave so they can take our place, serving ice cream. Any leads on places to rent would be appreciated while we try to figure out if it’s feasible to continue to serve the community.”

WinniPutt reached out to Wolfe, and offered to have Stillwells run the ice cream store that is part of their space. “They’ll run the mini golf side, and we will take over the ice cream side of the operation,” Wolfe said.

The move will take place April 1, and Wolfe hopes to open by the end of April or in early May. Stillwells is traditionally open in Alton Bay from April through October.

“It’s already pretty set up to go. We need to put our personal touches on it,” she added, of the new space.

History of an ice cream shop

Wolfe was 17, in 2002, when the first location opened. She had decided to pursue her interest in psychology in college. She earned a bachelor’s from Southern New Hampshire University, and after graduation, had two children, and worked for her mother in all of the shops.

She later earned an MBA and a master’s in organizational leadership, also at SNHU, where she has taught undergraduate business courses for four years.

“I like working in the family shop,” Wolfe said, noting her siblings, aunts and cousins have also had a hand in the family business. “Stillwells has always been family-focused, and I enjoyed it.”

Deep down, she knew one day she’d end up owning her own shop. She opened her first in Exeter, in 2011.

What’s special about Stillwells

Stillwells serves only Richardson’s Farm ice cream. Wolfe is loyal to the brand, because Richardson’s only sells to Stillwells in Alton Bay — no other ice cream shops.

“People tend to really enjoy the Richardson’s brand,” she said.

They offer over 60 flavors, and traditional favorites like banana splits, sundaes, ice cream sodas and root beer floats, as well as smoothies and Richie’s Italian ice.

“We try to offer a good value and keep prices low and portions big, so people feel they’re getting a good value for their dollar,” Wolfe said.

The most popular flavors are Coffee Oreo, Black Raspberry and Purple Cow frozen yogurt.

Guesses on the future

While Silas, 20, is active in the business, running the shop most days while Wolfe works behind the scenes, Wolfe’s daughter, Hazel Jean, is still in high school. A dedicated competitive swimmer, she works summer shifts when she’s able.

“We’ll continue to keep it in our family, and, hopefully, we’ll just continue to grow and be a positive business in New Hampshire,” Wolfe said.

“I see it staying in the family and continuing to scoop ice cream all summer for the local towns.”