When Katie Trombley stepped into Dairy Queen as a teenager to earn her first paycheck, she never imagined she’d one day be its owner. Life has a funny way of coming full circle, and today, Katie runs the Pahrump Dairy Queen alongside her husband, Riley, turning what started as a simple family ice cream night into a thriving local business. Their story is one of community connection, entrepreneurial spirit, and a deep love for creating moments of joy—one Blizzard at a time.
Katie’s journey began years ago when she worked at the same Dairy Queen under its original owners, Tom and Nellie. “It was one of my first true jobs,” she recalls, a touch of nostalgia in her voice. Like many young workers, she learned valuable lessons about teamwork and customer service. Fast forward to today, Katie and Riley are the proud new owners of the franchise, allowing it to continue as a locally owned and operated staple in the community.
The decision to buy the store came almost by chance. Katie describes how her family regularly visited Dairy Queen on Friday nights for ice cream. One evening, Riley noticed a “For Sale” sign that had gone unnoticed before. The idea of owning the beloved local franchise began as a lighthearted joke but quickly turned into a serious discussion. “We thought, why not? It just felt like the right thing to do,” Katie explains.
Acquiring the business wasn’t without its challenges. Katie spent a grueling month away from home for training, all while caring for her infant daughter. “It was a whirlwind,” she says, but the determination to bring her vision for Dairy Queen to life carried her through, along with the motivation of her family and their future. With the support of the former owners and an already solid team in place, the transition was smooth, and Katie could focus on shaping the Dairy Queen experience for the Pahrump community. Not to mention, while Katie was away, her husband Riley stayed home and continued to run his thriving business while also managing the schedules of 2 kids in school, sports and ballet PLUS a toddler and a coop full of chickens. “He did so well with almost no help that entire time,” Katie praised. “He truly is an amazing partner.”
During the month-long, in-person training program, Katie completed several certifications to prepare for her new role as an owner. These included leadership, service, product, and equipment training, ensuring she could manage all aspects of the store effectively. Additionally, she passed the ServSafe Management Course, a key credential for maintaining top-quality operations and food safety standards. “It was a lot to take in, but it’s important to me that our Dairy Queen runs at the highest level possible,” Katie shares.
Katie and Riley bring complementary skills to the business. While Katie spent years as a graphic designer and developed a knack for customer engagement, Riley, a seasoned entrepreneur, ran a successful gym for a decade. His expertise in operations and Katie’s passion for people make them a dynamic duo. Riley has since shifted his focus to consulting gym owners nationwide, leaving the day-to-day operations of Dairy Queen to Katie. “This is my mission,” Katie says. “We want Dairy Queen to be the cleanest, friendliest, and most community-focused quick-service restaurant in town.”
That community focus is central to Katie’s vision. She speaks warmly of the regulars who visit daily and the families who stop by for birthday cakes or a quick treat. “We have one gentleman who comes in almost every day,” she shares. “Seeing the joy on people’s faces, especially kids, makes it all worth it.” Beyond serving ice cream, Katie is committed to giving back. The Trombleys actively seek ways to support local schools and first responders. Whether it’s delivering extra treats to the sheriff’s department or brainstorming programs to reward students for good grades, their goal is to make Dairy Queen a true pillar of the Pahrump community.
Katie’s entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to the community are deeply intertwined, both shaped by her personal journey of healing after loss. Alongside running Dairy Queen, Katie operates Ava’s Garden, a sourdough bread business she began as a way to find solace after losing her daughter Ava. “It helped quiet my mind,” she says, describing how baking became both a personal passion and a therapeutic outlet. Over time, Ava’s Garden grew into a business, with Katie selling her artisanal bread at farmers’ markets and directly to customers.
Beyond bread, Ava’s Garden has become a platform for Katie to give back to others experiencing grief. She creates grief care baskets, thoughtfully designed to provide comfort and nourishment to those facing loss. Offered free of charge, each basket includes simple, ready-to-eat foods to ease the burden of daily tasks during the toughest days. “When you’re in the thick of it, even brushing your teeth feels impossible,” Katie reflects, recalling how a friend’s kindness helped her through her own darkest moments. Delivering the baskets anonymously ensures recipients feel supported without added pressure, and for Katie, it’s a way to show that no one has to face their struggles alone. Even as Dairy Queen demands much of her time, Katie remains committed to this deeply personal mission, channeling her loss into acts of compassion and connection.
One of Katie’s proudest achievements is her team. “They’re phenomenal,” she says of her staff of six, which she plans to grow in the coming months. Despite the changes that come with new ownership, the team has embraced Katie’s leadership and vision. Together, they’ve navigated challenges like equipment malfunctions and supply chain issues with resilience. Katie credits their dedication for helping her take the store to the next level. “We want to wow not just the town but also Dairy Queen Corporate,” she adds. By striving for excellence, Katie hopes to attract more resources and opportunities for her team and the community.
Katie also dreams of expanding Dairy Queen’s offerings. While the store doesn’t yet have the full “Grill & Chill” menu, she is working with corporate to explore possibilities for growth. For now, she encourages customers to try lesser-known menu items like smoothies and highlights the custom birthday cakes, which can feature edible images and personal touches.
Reflecting on her journey, Katie marvels at the little ways Dairy Queen has always been part of her life. She smiles as she recalls discovering a Dairy Queen ice cream cake in her wedding photos, a subtle hint at what the future held. “It’s funny how it all came together,” she says.
The Trombley’s story is more than a tale of business ownership; it’s a testament to hard work, community, and the joy of bringing people together. As she looks ahead, Katie and her family are excited to continue growing the business, giving back to the town they love, and sharing smiles—one cone, cake, or Blizzard at a time.
