Billings just got a whole lot sweeter. The Heights neighborhood is now home to Heartbeat Coffee and Ice Cream, a vibrant new spot offering authentic Mexican frozen treats—popsicles (paletas), handcrafted ice cream, and more—all made with love, family, and a deep connection to tradition.
Located at 1414 Main St., Heartbeat is a family-owned business opened by Jesus (Chuy) and Michell Martinez, along with their daughter Alison, right next door to their restaurant, Burritos Don Chuy. While the Martinez family is no stranger to the frozen dessert world (they also run the popular Michoacan A Pedir De Boca in Bozeman), Heartbeat is their personal take on the concept—one that feels closer to the heart.
“It’s like love; it’s always about family,” Alison said. “In Spanish, it’s latido de corazón, which is heartbeat.”
A Taste of Mexico, Made in Montana
All of Heartbeat’s ice cream and paletas are made in their Bozeman facility, where high-end equipment ensures quality and consistency. With over 150 recipes, the flavors range from fruity and refreshing to creamy and indulgent:
Water-based flavors: mango chile, pineapple coconut, watermelon
Milk-based flavors: strawberry milk, Cookie Monster (yes, it’s blue), Gansito (inspired by the beloved snack cake), tequila with almonds
Signature scoopable ice creams: Mexican hot chocolate, caramel (made with caramelized milk), Mexican coffee, and more
Even mistakes become magic here. The fan-favorite Chuy’s Popsicle—a pineapple-pistachio combo—was born from a mix-up in the kitchen and now has a cult following.
More Than Dessert: It’s a Cultural Experience
Heartbeat isn’t just an ice cream shop—it’s a celebration of family, flavor, and community. Michell Martinez describes it as a place where customers feel at home, a reflection of how she grew up in Mexico.
“I grew up in a sense that where one eats, everybody eats,” she said.
The colorful, cheerful display case is as much art as it is ice cream, echoing the vibrant spirit of Mexican paleterías. And for those who can’t make it to the Heights, Heartbeat popsicles are also available at Colima de Mis Amores, a Mexican store on Billings’ West End.
Expanding the Experience
In addition to ice cream, the Martinez family continues to grow their presence in the Heights. Their neighboring restaurant, Burritos Don Chuy, now offers an expanded menu including Mexican beers, house-made Micheladas, seafood, vegetarian options, and an all-day breakfast menu.
Soon, Heartbeat Coffee and Ice Cream will open at 6 a.m., adding breakfast café fare to its offerings—proving that whether you’re craving a popsicle or a latte, they’ve got your day (and sweet tooth) covered.
Visit Heartbeat Coffee and Ice Cream:
1414 Main St., Billings Heights
Open Daily: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Breakfast menu coming soon at 6 a.m.)
Explore Mexican Ice Cream Franchise Potential
Heartbeat is a shining example of how traditional flavors can thrive in new markets. As Latin-inspired frozen desserts gain popularity across the U.S., brands like Heartbeat could represent the future of the latest ice cream franchise opportunities—especially ones rooted in culture, quality, and community.
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