FAIRFIELD — A new ice cream shop, The Screamery, has opened in a strip mall along South Main Street in Fairfield, bringing locally made Scream Ice Cream to the community. The shop, founded by Fairfield resident Kate Vigmostad, serves ice cream that she began crafting in 2022. Initially operating from her home, Vigmostad later moved her business to The Collective on North Fourth Street before securing a new location on South Main Street.
The 2023 recipient of a nearly $100,000 grant from the Dairy Business Innovation Alliance, Vigmostad credits the funding with enabling her to invest in vital equipment. “It gave us a lot of room to really do something,” Vigmostad said, noting the high costs of ice cream production equipment. One significant purchase was a used $30,000 freezer, which, despite its cost, offers high-quality durability.
The newly opened storefront, located in the former space of Mike & Nikki’s restaurant, underwent extensive renovations. After the restaurant’s equipment was removed, the building became the High Temperature Dance Studio before moving to another location. Vigmostad’s partner, Mattie Kennedy, led the effort to rebuild the kitchen, adding new sinks and transforming the space for ice cream production. In early December, the company expanded by acquiring additional space in the strip mall, preparing for its grand opening.
On January 8, The Screamery officially opened its doors to the public, and Vigmostad reported a positive reception, particularly given the cold winter weather. The shop can seat 43 customers, with room for further expansion if needed.
The menu features a variety of offerings, including scoops, waffle cones, milkshakes, root beer floats, ice cream sandwiches, and affogato—a dessert combining ice cream and espresso.
In addition to the storefront, The Screamery operates a food truck that made an appearance during the RAGBRAI event in Fairfield. Kennedy mentioned plans to travel with the event again next year to continue sharing their ice cream with more Iowans.
Scream Ice Cream can also be found in several local grocery stores across Iowa, including Fairfield Hy-Vee and Everybody’s Whole Foods, expanding its reach beyond the shop’s physical location.
You Might Be Interested In:
- What Makes Triple Scoop Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream a Delightful Treat?
- Is Baskin-Robbins Considered Fast Food?
- How Many Flavors Does Baskin-Robbins Really Offer?
