Toad Hop Creamery thriving after a successful first year, serving premium ice cream with a personal touch
Toad Hop Creamery has become a favorite for ice cream lovers in Owensboro since owners Reagan and Josh Easterly opened the doors nearly a year ago.
Reagan said the locally owned shop has seen tremendous growth, fueled by community support and a dedication to quality that sets it apart.
“We’ve had an incredible first year,” she said. “We’ve done better than we planned, with a lot more ice cream demand than we expected, which obviously requires more working, more employees, and making more ice cream than I ever thought I would make in my life.”
The creamery, located off KY 54, has come full circle as it approaches its one-year anniversary. Reagan said the milestone has them reflecting on how far they’ve come since receiving the keys to the building.
“We think back to the time when we got our lease and didn’t even have a sign yet,” Reagan said. “Now we have a growing community of ice cream lovers online and in person, and first-timers coming in all the time having great experiences. It’s been a dream come true.”
The Easterlys moved to Owensboro from Terre Haute, Indiana, drawn by the city’s reputation for supporting small businesses. The name “Toad Hop” comes from a small area near their previous home in West Terre Haute.
“We sought this community out,” Reagan said. “My mom has lived here for the past 15 years, and we saw how well small businesses were doing. The community is constantly encouraging us to grow, and that’s why we’ve expanded into ice cream cakes, pies, and catering events.”
The constant encouragement from customers has even shaped the shop’s weekly rotating menu, which regularly features new flavors.
“We crank out new flavors every week, and it’s so creatively rewarding for me as the person making all the ice cream,” Reagan said. “When people come in and want to try multiple flavors, I love seeing their reactions when they taste something they love.”
Toad Hop Creamery’s success isn’t just about creativity — quality is a top priority. Reagan said their ice cream is made with a premium mix sourced from Meadowvale, a dairy farm in Illinois.
“The dairy is incredibly fresh and made with clean ingredients,” Reagan said. “I try to use minimal flavorings, dyes, and preservatives. Our banana pudding ice cream uses real bananas and vanilla wafers, and our strawberry flavor tastes like a fresh strawberry. The goal is to keep it simple while delivering the best version of every flavor we make.”
The style of ice cream Reagan crafts is called Philadelphia-style, which forgoes eggs in favor of a creamier, purer taste.
“That simplicity is what makes our chocolate so rich and our fruit flavors so vibrant,” Reagan said.
Toad Hop Creamery is as much a family project as it is a business. Reagan and Josh manage the shop themselves with help from their daughter, Nora, who has been involved since the beginning.
“She’s 8 years old and was part of this entire process, from choosing the opening flavors to helping decide what color to paint the walls,” Reagan said. “She helps out during breaks and even runs the register on weekends. Customers love seeing her here.”
The family-friendly atmosphere is central to Toad Hop’s identity. Reagan said creating a space where kids can have fun and families can relax has been part of their vision from the start.
“We have a ton of regular families that have become the backbone of our business,” Reagan said. “We want kids to feel free to get sugared up, run around, and have a great time without parents worrying.”
Toad Hop Creamery officially opened on February 29, 2024 — Leap Day — but the Easterlys have been working in the space since January after taking over the former Wheatgrass Juice Bar location.
“It was a marathon transforming the space,” Reagan said. “We changed the walls, countertops, and the whole vibe, but it’s been so rewarding to see how our hard work has paid off.”
Reagan said the shop’s location on KY 54 has been ideal, offering easy access and visibility for families. The physical address is 3500 Villa Point #102 in Owensboro.
Looking ahead, the Easterlys are continuing to expand their offerings. Special seasonal flavors are in the works for Valentine’s Day and spring, with the community’s creative input continuing to inspire their menu.
As Toad Hop Creamery celebrates its first year, Reagan said it has been a rewarding experience for their family and a valuable lesson for their daughter in hard work and creativity.
“I think she’s seen how much effort it takes to make a dream a reality,” Reagan said. “It’s been amazing to build something together as a family, and we’re so thankful for the community’s support every step of the way.”
For more on Toad Hop Creamery, visit their location off KY 54 or follow them on social media for the latest flavor announcements.