The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not reflect the views of Spoon University.
Last November, we had the privilege to interview Jordan Davis, the Director of Operations, about The Chocolate Moose and how the ice cream company got to where it is today. Back when The Chocolate Moose was a tiny building in the middle of a random Bloomington parking lot, it had a very special place in my heart. Every Friday after pre-school and kindergarten, my parents, who were then students at IU, would take me to get ice cream. Every week I would get the same chocolate torch cone, a kids’ ice cream cone with eyes. Being surrounded by people in that parking lot, I remember feeling so cool because my ice cream had eyes. There was never a moment that I left The Chocolate Moose without a smile on my face.
The Chocolate Moose originally opened in 1933 during the Great Depression as May’s Café. It became the Penguin around the 1950s and eventually The Chocolate Moose in 1983. The Chocolate Moose originally had blizzards but, unfortunately, had to rename them after Dairy Queen trademarked it around this time. The Chocolate Moose eventually also added food to the menu so that customers would be able to pair their ice cream with a savory option, like their chili dogs.
I always thought of The Chocolate Moose as the best ice cream around, but I until I spoke with Jordan, I never knew that its name was iconic for many well-known celebs. For instance, John Mellencamp paid tribute to The Chocolate Moose in his song Jack and Diane with the lyric “suckin’ on a chili dog”, which was filmed outside of The Chocolate Moose featuring their now infamous chili dog. It was also promoted by Michael Jordan as his favorite ice cream place after he frequented it during his time in Bloomington for the 1984 Olympic Trials.
When asked what makes The Chocolate Moose special, Jordan informed us that all of the ice cream is homemade, like many other ice cream shops. However, the difference is that they use 14% cream, as opposed to the 5% cream used by most others. This leaves the ice cream much creamier and richer. Although most people don’t know about this unique recipe, that familiar creamy taste is what has made The Chocolate Moose one of the most popular ice cream parlors in Bloomington, Indiana. When asked why they have decided to stay in Indiana, he explained that the ice cream being made nearby makes it difficult to go far, but the main reason is that they enjoy being a part of the communities they are in here.
The Chocolate Moose has always been near and dear to my heart, and I truly enjoyed visiting in college to relive some of my favorite childhood memories. But after hearing their story I have a whole new appreciation for this local ice cream shop and will continue to go back time, and time again during my college experience.
If you are interested in visiting The Chocolate Moose click HERE to read an in-depth review of their ice cream or visit their website by clicking on THIS link.