GANOTOWN — For Candace Wood, the grand opening of Ganotown Ice Cream on Saturday marked more than just the launch of a new business — it was the realization of a lifelong dream rooted in cherished childhood memories.
Surrounded by friends, family, and members of the local community, Wood welcomed customers to her new shop at 2265 Back Creek Valley Road. The project, years in the making, has been a personal journey fueled by nostalgia, determination, and a deep love for the community she grew up in.
Wood was raised in Back Creek Valley, where she spent her youth attending church and fire hall festivals. There, she and her family would make homemade ice cream — an experience that left a lasting impression. “It was a huge social gathering and just a place for everybody to get together,” she recalled. “Those are just some very deep, core memories for me — making ice cream with them.”
With Ganotown Ice Cream, Wood hopes to recreate that same sense of connection. The shop includes a spacious outdoor seating area with tables and chairs under a canopy, designed to encourage neighbors to gather and enjoy each other’s company. “There’s nothing over here,” Wood said. “So it’s like, what can we do to gather people? Everyone loves ice cream, so hopefully that’s what it is.”
Construction on the shop began over three years ago, with Wood’s husband, Matthew, and her father-in-law taking on the task of excavating the land and preparing the site. A contractor later erected the building, while the family handled much of the finishing work themselves. “We would save up and pay for things as we went along, just a little piece by piece,” Wood explained. “It took a while, but slowly and surely we got there.”
The journey has been a true family effort. Wood’s daughters — seven-year-old Zoey and three-year-old Piper — have been part of the process from the beginning. “Being able to do this with them and having them involved in it, that’s pretty special,” Wood said. “My 7-year-old’s been at this for three years just like we have. These are core memories she’ll carry with her.”
Looking ahead, Wood envisions Ganotown Ice Cream as more than just a place for dessert. She hopes to host events such as car shows, live music performances, and community gatherings. Plans are also in the works to expand the menu, including the addition of homemade ice cream — a nod to her roots.
Ganotown Ice Cream is open Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.
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