Big Dipper Ice Cream adds second location

WASILLA — Big Dipper Ice Cream now has a location within The Clock Tower in downtown Wasilla in addition to its original location in downtown Palmer.

Big Dipper Ice Cream owners Robert and Lisa Brown and their staff celebrated the official grand opening of the new Wasilla location with a ribbon cutting ceremony Feb. 22.

The Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce attended the ceremony to help cut the ceremonial ribbon and welcome the new business. Robert said there was a line of customers waiting outside the door. He said it was a good start that left them encouraged.

"It was fantastic," Robert said. 'It was really well attended and really well received."

Robert noted that the Wasilla location has about double the seating space as the Palmer location.

"People love the seating and the natural light so that's been good," Robert said.

Lisa said the second location helps then continue their vision of providing a fun space for community moments to enjoy sweet treats.

"It became the logical next step to do," Lisa said.

The new Big Dipper Ice Cream is located at the top floor of The Clock Tower, an iconic building (formally known as the Meta Rose Square) that was remodeled and rebranded under the new owners Richard and Tyan Payne in recent years. Robert said it's great to be a part of such a nostalgic location that's been modernized and revitalized with exciting and community minded small businesses as their neighbors.

"We love it. The Clock Tower has been remodeled beautifully," Robert said. "Everyone here has a real common mission."

Robert and Lisa have lived in the Mat-Su Valley for two decades. Lisa said they've become very invested in the community over the years.

"I've really grown to love the Valley, that's for sure. It's a great community to raise your kids and do fun outdoors stuff," Lisa said.

Big Dipper features an array of ice cream flavors. They recently launched a new flavor called Birch Brittle that utilizes pure birch syrup from Alaska Birch Syrup and Wilf Harvest Products who's been a partner for several years. Robert said they collaborate with numerous local small businesses to offer unique and Alaska themed products.

"That's the best part about it. It's rewarding knowing they're behind it," Robert said. "I think they do a fantastic job. They put a lot of pride and care into what they're doing."

Lisa said that they're grateful for the continued support from community members over the years.

"Our customers are great," Lisa

For more information, visit the official Big Dipper Ice Cream Facebook page.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com