Business notebook: Unique ice-cream truck isn't just a seasonal operation

While some people's thoughts turn to cookies and hot chocolate in December, those who prefer cooler treats are in luck: Andy's Sweet Tooth, an ice-cream truck with a modern twist, is available year-round.

Andy Exler started the business while he and his wife were living in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he was a manager at Steak 'n Shake, and she was studying physical therapy.

He said many of the ice-cream trucks on the road in Fort Lauderdale are illegal, "creepy" vans that worked only in cash and didn't pay taxes.

So he and another manager he had worked with at Steak 'n Shake decided they wanted to make "a neat-looking ice-cream truck" from which people wouldn't be afraid to let their children buy ice cream.

About five years ago, Exler bought a 1972 step van on Craigslist and began transforming it into the distinctive vehicle seen driving around Cape Girardeau.

Ice-cream options line the side of the Andy's Sweet Tooth truck Thursday. (Glenn Landberg)

"I did the air ride about a year and half ago, and then right before we moved back to Missouri, I had it wrapped," Exler said.

The van is bright green with a brown ice-cream-cone pattern along the bottom and graffiti-style lettering on the sides.

The air ride, not something seen in the average ice-cream truck, allows the chassis to be raised from the axle. Exler said he's had several vehicles that have used similar systems.

"When I was 18, I had a '64 Impala with hydraulics; I had a Chevy Baretta with hydraulics; I had a Honda Accord With air ride," Exler said. "So I've always kind of had something that danced around or whatever, so I definitely had to put it on this."

The van also is equipped with chrome wheels and a stereo system.

An ice cream scoop mounted to a lever in the Andy's Sweet Tooth truck. (Glenn Landberg)

"Anything that grabs someone's attention," Exler said.

The van has gotten him plenty of attention, too. Exler said when he was in Florida, the van was used in a rap video, commercials for three clothing lines (including Garanimals Children's Clothing) and two short films.

These days in Cape Girardeau, Exler takes his sugary wares not only to various neighborhoods but to corporate events, weddings, parties and other places.

Exler said in Fort Lauderdale, he was not considered part of the food-truck crowd, because he wasn't making his own food. But he said he thinks the push for more food trucks, especially in larger cities, is largely because of people looking for variety.

"I think some look for something different," he said. He said in Florida there were organized events, such as an outdoor movie night in the park, where the food trucks would park and people could eat what they wanted while they watched.

Exler said he would like to see similar gatherings here.

"Spring, summer, we'll try to get something together."

Andy's Sweet Tooth can be found on Facebook and at andyssweettooth.com.

Technology and Networking/ASC moves

Advanced security services provider Technology and Networking Inc./ASC announced last week it has changed its name to Broadtek.

The name is part of a rebranding initiative, the purpose of which is to align the company name better with its future strategy and goals, according to a news release from Broadtek.

The company has relocated to 1315 Broadway in Cape Girardeau from its previous location at 2751 Thomas Drive.

An open house will be held Thursday.

UPS Store has new owner

The UPS Store at 2128 William St. is under new ownership.

A business-license application filed at Cape Girardeau City Hall shows the packing and shipping store is under the ownership of Rystrom Inc.

The store previously was owned by Hagler Inc.

Bank of Missouri rated 'superior'

BauerFinancial Inc., an independent bank rating company, has given The Bank of Missouri in Perryville a five-star 'Superior' rating.

This is the 17th quarter in a row the bank has received that rating, according to a news release from The Bank of Missouri.

The BauerFinancial rating is based on an analysis of several criteria, including capitalization, asset quality, profitability, liquidity and risk.

GlennView to host seminar

Jeff Glenn, CEO of GlennView, will conduct a leadership seminar Jan. 26 at the Isle Casino Cape Girardeau Event Center.

The seminar, "How to Be a REAL Success!" by John Maxwell, is open to anyone who is interested in increasing his or her leadership abilities, according to a news release from GlennView.

Glenn will take seminar participants through steps to build success in four areas: relationships, equipping, attitude and leadership.

To register, visit glennpr.com/upcoming-seminars.html or contact GlennView president Tracey Glenn at (573) 270-3580 or tglenn@glennpr.com.

Ribbon cuttings

• J Marie's Formal Affairs, 149 W. Yoakum Ave. in Chaffee, Missouri, held a ribbon cutting Nov. 20.
• Missouri Mattress, 2064 Walton Drive in Jackson, held a ribbon cutting Thursday.

Business licenses

• China Crown Butter Inc., 213 S. Kingshighway, is a restaurant owned by Feng Guo Ying.
• 5th and 73rd Cafe and Lounge, 334 N. Frederick St., is a lounge offering prepared food and video games. The owners are Briona Adams, David Simmons III and Gregory Robinson Jr., and the expected opening date is Saturday.
• C & K Sales, 519 Broadway, owned by Karen Myer, is a retail store selling used furniture and other items.
• Free Spirit Studio, 605 Broadway, Suite 101, will offer art classes as well as sell art and home goods. The studio, owned by Martha Hartle, is expected to open today.
• Vapor Maven, 2136 William St., an electronic cigarette store, opened Dec. 1.

kwebster@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3642