The Chillin Out Ice Cream Truck is bringing a delightful old-school charm to the streets of Pahrump, offering a nostalgic experience that has quickly become a favorite in the community. This unique venture, spearheaded by Jim Bandazian and supported by his family, including his daughter-in-law Oleta Bandazian, aims to provide joy to both children and adults through the simple pleasure of ice cream.
The idea for the ice cream truck was born from Jim’s desire to introduce something different to the community. “Jim wanted to start this ice cream truck business for something new for the community to experience, also to give the kids something to be excited about,” Oleta explains. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with the community embracing the truck’s presence and the happiness it brings.
The Chillin Out Ice Cream Truck offers a delightful array of treats at a price point that’s hard to beat—nothing on the truck costs more than $4. To make it even better, they bring their nostalgic ice cream experience to the community multiple times a week, with regular outings on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
One of the standout features of Chillin Out Ice Cream Truck is its vintage, old-fashioned design. The truck, which was originally bright red, underwent a transformation thanks to Jim and three of his sons, who worked together to get it ready for the road. This dedication to creating an authentic experience has been well-received, contributing to the truck’s unique appeal.
In terms of offerings, the truck features a variety of classic and beloved ice cream treats. “Our classic flavor and most popular would have to be the Bomb pops,” Oleta shares. Other favorites include the character ice creams, complete with gumdrop eyes, which are especially popular among the younger crowd. For those seeking something a bit more indulgent, the Magnum Ice Cream, with its chocolate-covered exterior and caramel-vanilla center, is a top choice.
Navigating Pahrump’s sprawling layout has presented some challenges for the team. Deciding on routes and locations required careful planning to ensure they could reach as many people as possible. Their first outing at Burson Ranch was a huge success, and they now return there every Friday, bringing joy to the local residents. In addition to regular routes, the truck is also available for parties, adding a special touch to community celebrations.
The community’s reception has been nothing short of heartwarming. “The community has been so welcoming and supportive, we couldn’t be more thankful for everyone!” Oleta says, reflecting on the positive feedback they’ve received. This support has also been demonstrated through generous donations from local businesses, allowing the truck to offer free ice cream to kids—a gesture that has been met with great appreciation.
Looking ahead, the team has exciting plans, including participating in Fall Fest in September, where the truck will be a highlight for attendees. They also hope to expand their fleet in the future, with the goal of having two ice cream trucks serving the community by next summer.
For those looking to stay updated on the truck’s whereabouts, the best way is through their Facebook page, Chillin Out Ice Cream Truck. Oleta, who manages the social media and day-to-day operations, encourages the community to follow along and stay informed about upcoming events and routes.
As a family-run business, the Chillin Out Ice Cream Truck is a labor of love. Jim drives the truck, often accompanied by his grandson Zane and other family members who pitch in as needed. The teamwork behind the scenes is a key part of what makes this venture so special.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Oleta offers simple yet powerful advice: “DO it. Try it out and see if it takes off!” The Bandazian family’s experience has shown that with community support, a unique idea, and a lot of hard work, success is possible.
In their journey so far, the Bandazians have been deeply touched by the community’s kindness and generosity. They are committed to continuing this positive and fun-filled adventure, bringing smiles to faces across Pahrump, one ice cream at a time.
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Thank you for telling our story. Loved it