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Since opening its doors in June 2015, Charlie’s Ice Cream Shop has been serving up sweet treats to the Hialeah community. As the shop nears its 10-year anniversary, local owner Charles Sauer and loyal patrons reflect on what has made his ice cream parlor a neighborhood staple.
“I love Charlie’s Ice Cream Shop. It’s a landmark of a place in the beautiful city of Hialeah,” said Marc Anthony Salvat, known to many as the “King of Hialeah” on Instagram. Born and raised in the city, Salvat said the shop’s story represents much more than dessert.
“The story of Charlie’s is inspiring the new age of entrepreneurship,” he said, noting that it motivates young people who aspire to open their own brick-and-mortar businesses and “shows them the necessary skills, traits, and abilities to reach success without falling into the corporate world.”
While many ice cream shops are experimenting with new trends like nitrogen or alcohol infused flavors, Charlie’s stands out by staying true to tradition. Sauer said he likes to “keep it classic” and is committed to the old-fashioned ice cream experience.
Being a former Dairy Queen originally opened in 1952, the shop has the look and feel of a retro parlor. Sauer said customers like the vintage aesthetic because it brings a bittersweet nostalgic feeling.
Sauer describes Charlie’s as an “opportunity of luck.”
At 23, while dining at the Cozy Corner in Miami Springs, Sauer was approached by the owner of a former Dairy Queen, who knew he worked multiple jobs and had skills in cleaning, painting, and landscaping. She hired him to fix up the shop before selling it but soon proposed an unexpected idea—opening his own ice cream shop.
Unsure of what to expect, he opened with no advertising—just turned on the lights and hoped for success. Soon enough, the business took off.
The shop has been incredibly successful, with sales increasing 20% a year on average, according to Sauer.
Sauer takes pride in being part of the Hialeah community. He and his nine employee wear shirts that say “I love Hialeah” on the back. Sauer often allows charitable organizations to hold fundraisers at the shop as it is conveniently located on a main road.
Salvat said small businesses like Charlie’s play a critical role in cultural preservation. “Besides the fact that Hialeah is the second-largest economy in Miami-Dade County, businesses like Charlie’s are proof that the American dream is still alive and accessible,” he said. “They ensure the next generation has access to the same opportunities I had growing up in this city.”
Outstanding customer service is at the heart of Charlie’s Ice Cream Shop. Sauer emphasizes making all patrons feel welcome, ensuring that exceptional service remains the top priority.
Salvat praised the shop’s customer service during his visit. “It’s the little things that make a big difference. The experience was great overall. I highly recommend it to anyone and everyone,” he said.
The shop specializes in traditional soft serve but also serves over 12 flavors of hard ice cream. Daily buy one, get one free specials and rotating flavors of the month keep customers on their toes. Recent flavors of the month include mamey and guava as Sauer continuously infuses Hispanic flair into the shop, reflecting its Hialeah roots.
Sauer prioritizes local vendors and sources the shop’s soft serve from St. Petersburg, and the hard ice cream from a local family owned business in Miami.
As the shop’s 10-year anniversary approaches, Sauer is preparing to open a second location in Westchester this summer.
Sauer shared that his favorite part of the business is bringing people together for a simple treat.
“Seeing my family—my son, nieces, and nephews—grow up around it… I just love seeing the joy.”
Charlie’s Ice Cream Shop is located at 510 Hialeah Drive and is open daily from 12:00 to 11:00 p.m.
For more information, call 305-888-2836 or visit @charliesicecream on Instagram.
