Spotlight Parad’ice Cream Island

🌟 THE MARION BUSINESS NETWORK SPOTLIGHT 🌟

This week, we’re excited to feature Parad’Ice Cream Island and owners Julie & Larry Hoffman!

Some businesses begin with a business plan. Others begin with a dream.

For Julie Hoffman, that dream started years ago.

Her very first job at just 14 years old was at the Dari Dish in Caledonia, a business her mother would later purchase. Julie went on to study Restaurant Operations at Tri-Rivers and has always had a passion for the food industry.

But there was another dream that stayed close to her heart.

Julie and her sister often talked about opening a dairy bar together. Sadly, her sister passed away in 2021 before that dream could become reality.

When Larry unexpectedly lost his job, Julie saw an opportunity to take a leap of faith.

With the encouragement and support of her mom, Pamela Gruber, and stepfather, Al Gruber, they opened Parad’Ice Cream in Waldo in July of 2022.

The business name carries a special meaning.

Parad’Ice Cream was chosen to honor Julie’s sister, who she says is now in “Paradise.”

If you’ve ever ordered one of their famous Gales (their version of a flurry), you’ve actually ordered something named in memory of her sister as well—whose middle name was Gale.

Today, that dream has grown even bigger.

In February 2026, Julie and Larry proudly opened their second location, Parad’Ice Cream Island, at 809 Bellefontaine Avenue in Marion.

Unlike the seasonal walk-up location in Waldo, the Marion location is indoors and open year-round, giving families another place to gather no matter the season.

But Parad’Ice Cream Island is much more than an ice cream shop.

Their menu includes:

🍦 Ice cream cones

🥤 Specialty shakes

🍨 Sundaes

🍫 Gales (their signature flurry desserts)

🍔 Burgers

🌭 Coney dogs

🥪 Shredded chicken sandwiches

🥩 Pulled pork

🌮 Walking tacos

🧀 Island Nachos

They also offer dairy-free and sugar-free options, making sure more members of our community can enjoy a sweet treat.

One of the things that makes Parad’Ice Cream Island special is how they give back.

💜 They created a specialty Peanut Butter & Jelly Shake in support of the Peanut Butter Jelly Truck.

🐾 They also support the Marion Area Humane Society by offering Pup Cups for our four-legged friends.

Throughout the year, they host giveaways and offer fun novelty items, always looking for ways to make every visit memorable.

When asked what they enjoy most about owning their business, their answer was simple:

The people.

They love meeting the families who visit, getting to know their customers, and creating a welcoming place where everyone—including those needing dairy-free or sugar-free choices—can feel included.

Another source of pride is watching the young people they hire grow into confident young adults.

They shared that their employees become like family, and there’s nothing more rewarding than watching them succeed.

Julie says the best way to support their business is simple:

❤️ Stop in for a visit.

❤️ Tell your friends.

❤️ Share your experience.

Word of mouth means everything to a locally owned business.

If you haven’t visited yet, this might be the perfect excuse to treat yourself!

📍 Parad’Ice Cream Island

809 Bellefontaine Ave., Marion, OH

📞 Marion: 740-751-4039

📞 Waldo: 740-726-4058

📧 paradicecreamisland@gmail.com

📱 Follow both locations on Facebook:

Parad’Ice Cream (Waldo)

Parad’Ice Cream Island (Marion)

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💬 Have you visited Parad’Ice Cream or Parad’Ice Cream Island?

What’s your favorite menu item? Is it a classic cone, a loaded Gale, one of their specialty shakes, or maybe those famous Island Nachos?

Let’s show Julie, Larry, and their team some Marion support in the comments! 🍦❤️

#TheMarionBusinessNetwork #BusinessSpotlight #SupportLocal #MarionOhio #ShopLocal #CommunityFirst