TAUNTON — Tom & Jimmy’s, a beloved local ice cream shop, has been named the top ice cream destination in the greater Taunton area, according to an online poll conducted by the Taunton Daily Gazette. The poll, which saw 9,350 votes cast across 10 popular eateries and ice cream parlors, awarded the top spot to Tom & Jimmy’s, which garnered 3,830 votes, or 40.96% of the total.
Co-owner Jimmy Gracia attributes the shop’s success to its dedicated staff, highlighting that their hard work and customer service play a crucial role in the business’s popularity. A large, heartwarming sign near the outdoor seating area of the shop reads, “All you need is love & ice cream,” which seems to capture the essence of the establishment.
A Sweet History
Tom & Jimmy’s has come a long way since childhood friends Gracia and former Mayor Tom Hoye opened their first location 16 years ago in a Taunton strip mall. After expanding to a larger property at 337 Winthrop Street, the duo’s ice cream empire grew further with shops in Middleboro and West Bridgewater. The West Bridgewater location, however, is not open year-round.
One of the main draws for customers is Tom & Jimmy’s signature $8.99 specialty sundaes, which feature three scoops of hard ice cream and a variety of toppings. Popular options include the T-Hoye sundae, a peanut butter cup creation topped with hot fudge, whipped cream, and a cherry, and a more understated but equally popular brownie sundae.
The shop offers up to 60 different ice cream flavors and also serves soft ice cream from HP Hood. In addition to traditional ice cream, they provide a variety of non-dairy options and frozen yogurt, which Gracia reports is growing in popularity among customers.
Expanding Offerings
In addition to their ice cream offerings, Gracia and Hoye are licensed franchisees for Rhode Island-based Del’s Lemonade, selling the company’s frozen lemonade at their shops and at private events.
Both owners, who are now 55, have witnessed not only the loyalty of their customers but also that of their employees. Long-term staff members, such as Deanna Duncan and Jillian Joyce, have been with the company for over a decade, a testament to the family-friendly atmosphere and supportive work environment.
Navigating Challenges
Tom & Jimmy’s has faced its share of challenges over the years, including supply chain disruptions. After the fire that temporarily halted production at Gifford’s Ice Cream in February 2023, Gracia and Hoye sourced ice cream from various suppliers, including Warwick Ice Cream and Hershey’s Ice Cream, until the issue was resolved. Despite this setback, the shop continued to offer a wide selection of unique flavors to satisfy customers’ tastes.
As with many small businesses, Tom & Jimmy’s has also had to contend with rising costs. The owners have seen prices for everything from paper products to insurance premiums increase, but they remain committed to offering affordable, high-quality products to their loyal customers.
Looking to the Future
Having been voted number one by Taunton Daily Gazette readers, Tom & Jimmy’s continues to thrive. The shop previously received similar recognition, further solidifying its reputation as a local favorite. Looking ahead, Gracia hinted at the possibility of expanding to a fourth location in the Bay State, promising, “Stay tuned. We’re always looking.”
For now, the duo is focused on maintaining the high standards that have earned them the love and loyalty of both their customers and employees.
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