Times Opportunity Knocks 3

The Tampa Tribune:

The local ice cream shop was the social center of town when Robert Falls was growing up in the early 1970s in Gastonia, N.C.

He smiles at the memories of his father asking him to join him for a milkshake. Friends and other family members would inevitably drop into the shop, with its black-and-white tile floors and shiny counter stools.

‘That kind of atmosphere that I grew up on is the atmosphere I want to create here,’ Falls says. ‘It’s such a joy to see families come in. And the kids - their eyes just light up.’

It’s not just ice cream proving to be the draw at the Junction Creamery Cafe, Falls‘ new shop in the Bay Arbor Plaza in Oldsmar. The aptly named Junction brings Joffrey’s coffee and teas and Old Meeting House ice cream under the same roof - with Mike’s Pies featured for good measure.

It was just the mix for the former Coast Guardsman who was looking for a business opportunity.

‘I’ve been wanting to do ice cream for many, many years,’ Falls says. ‘The combination of the products was so great. I fell in love with that.’ Read more.