In the single hour that I spent with Jeff Wilcoxon and Chris Hill, co-owners of Bobtail Ice Cream Company, I quickly learned that brains, experience and excitement are the recipe for a perfect ice cream operation. Well, that and a good recipe.
Both earned MBAs from the University of Chicago, and in 2004 they decided to combine that entrepreneurial edge with a bit of Wilcoxon family history—Jeff's grandfather began selling ice cream door-to-door in Ohio in the '50s). In no time at all, Bobtail became a beloved fixture in Lakeview (at two locations) and expanded this summer with a spot at Buckingham Fountain.
As we talked, I sampled the Signature Sunset, made with merlot and chocolate chips, and noticed the giant photo of Grandpa Wilcoxon proudly displayed behind me. Jeff and Chris have a good thing going, and they're all about sharing it with the community. Here are some of their Chicago thoughts:
Best Chicago-related advice you've ever given?
Chris: You always hear that this city is very laid back, friendly, and helpful—and it's true. My advice to anyone is to make great relationships, both personal and professional, because they are so easy to make in Chicago.
Jeff: A good piece of advice is to get your vehicle city sticker on time.
Favorite way to spend a summer day in Chicago?
Chris: Golf! The Wilmette Club is inexpensive and actually not a "club" at all as it's open to the public.
Jeff: I love to take a night out and go downtown with my wife and feel like I'm on vacation. We love to stay the night at the Park Hyatt.
If I were to come to your neighborhood, where would you insist I visit?
Chris: Near Bobtail's Broadway location, I'd say Pastoral. It's a really wonderful, unique shop for Chicago that feels like you're getting a moment in Napa Valley. They have cheese and wine party baskets and trays that are great to take on a night out to a Ravinia concert.
Jeff: Over by Southport, we love Coobah for the Cuban sandwiches, reubens and sipping drinks on the patio. And Homemade Pizza Co. across the street is worth the trip from anywhere.
Favorite hidden gem in Chicago?
Jeff: Kitsch'n in Roscoe Village; it has the most amazing comfort food.
Chris: I'm not so sure what's hidden anymore, but one of my favorite places for Belgian beer is the Hopleaf.
Three words that best describe Bobtail?
Jeff and Chris: Classic, homemade and fresh.
Who do you know in Chicago that our readers should know?
Jeff: Alderman Tom Turney, who also owns the Ann Sather restaurants. He's been so helpful to us and is a great mentor.
Chris: Everyone at the Chicago Park District is phenomenal. We work alongside so many local businesses, schools, and people who work for the city in different capacities, the list is really endless of who you should know!
Must-try ice cream flavor at Bobtail?
Chris: We have a few signature flavors that we chose to really represent the Lakeview neighborhood and Chicago. There's the Signature Sunset (merlot and chocolate chips), Winter Commute (white chocolate with macadamia nuts), and the Lakeview Barhopper (chocolate with a touch of Jack Daniel's).
Jeff: And the Daley Addiction is vanilla with a fudge swirl, which is what my family always thought to be THE ultimate flavor.
Visit www.bobtailsodafountain.com for more tasty info.
Heather Blaha takes tea (or booze, depending on the day) with a Chicagoan who knows a thing or two about the city's bars/restaurants/galleries each month. If you know some she must chat with over Earl Gray, let her know.
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