T-R PHOTO BY ROBERT MAHARRY
Class of 2021 South Tama County High School graduate Taylor Upah is excited to be running Tay’s Ice Cream at 102 W. 3rd St. in Tama.
TAMA — There’s a new option in town for Tama-Toledo ice cream enthusiasts as Tay’s Ice Cream, located at 102 W. 3rd St. in Tama at the southwest intersection of 3rd and State, has been serving up smiles since opening back in July.
Tay’s Ice Cream is run by Class of 2021 STC High School graduate Taylor Upah, and she said her parents, Shawn and Sara Upah, approached her with the idea of running a stand in Tama earlier this summer. Taylor needed a job, and they worked out the details of purchasing the property from the former owners of Daisy’s Sweet Treats, who had previously operated from the same location.
Upah’s favorite offerings on the menu are the tornadoes, which, as one might guess by the name, are a spin on the famous Dairy Queen blizzards and feature ingredients like Butterfingers, Heath bars, Oreos, Twix, peanut butter cups, Snickers, M&Ms, cookie dough and gummy bears. Tay’s also serves classic cones and dishes, floats, sundaes, malts and shakes. For the customer looking for some warmer food, she has hot dogs and chips as well.
So far, things have gone smoothly for Upah. Some nights are busier than others, but the community has been overwhelmingly supportive — and the milkshakes and tornadoes have been the most popular menu items.
Her only goal for the future is to keep bringing in more customers (especially when Highway 63 finally reopens south of town) and keep her menu simple. Upah has enjoyed the opportunity to meet new people through this business venture and provide an affordable ice cream option for anyone with a sweet tooth and a few dollars to spend.
Tay’s Ice Cream is a cash only business and is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m. It is closed on Thursdays and Sundays. Tay’s can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563245690388.