DES MOINES, Iowa — Thelma’s Ice Cream Sandwiches, a beloved Iowa-based brand, has expanded its reach by now being sold at Costco stores nationwide, while proudly continuing its production in Des Moines.
Thelma’s story began in 2012 at the Des Moines Farmers Market, where a mother and her two children transformed their great-grandmother Thelma’s cherished snickerdoodle recipe into unique ice cream sandwiches. The brand initially gained local attention when its products appeared on shelves at Gateway Market in Des Moines, setting the stage for broader growth.
Despite its national distribution, Thelma’s remains committed to its Iowa roots, producing every ice cream sandwich in its Des Moines facility. Nola Morris, the company’s chief marketing officer, emphasized the importance of maintaining quality and authenticity. “To protect the integrity of Thelma’s product and preserve its premium deliciousness, we’ve continued making it ourselves all along,” Morris said. “It’s fantastic to see our heart stay right here while we achieve national growth.”
Today, millions of Thelma’s ice cream sandwiches are produced annually in Des Moines. The product line has expanded from a single original flavor to seven diverse options, offering something for every ice cream lover.
This expansion highlights promising ice cream franchise opportunities in the Midwest, especially for brands committed to maintaining high-quality, locally made products while scaling nationally.
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