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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 reflects on what has made his ice cream parlor a community favorite.
“Charlie’s ice cream is the best! I’ve been coming here for seven years. My family and I think it’s the best,” said a local patron, adding that they stop by for a treat every Tuesday.
While many ice cream shops are experimenting with new trends like nitrogen and alcohol-infused ice cream, Charlie’s Ice Cream Shop 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 classic retro ice cream parlor. Sauer said customers like the vintage aesthetic as it brings a bittersweet nostalgic feeling for them. Many older patrons bring their families to reminisce on the past and create new memories.
Sauer describes Charlie’s Ice Cream Shop 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 to be successful. 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. As a way to give back to the community that has embraced him all these years, he often allows charitable organizations to hold fundraisers at the shop as it is conveniently located on a main road.
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.
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, with hopes of launching this summer.
Sauer shared that his favorite part of the business is the joy of 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. It’s nice to see them all excited over ice cream, and see families hang out together, sitting and eating ice cream together.”
Charlies Ice Cream Shop is located at 510 Hialeah Drive. It is open daily from 12:00 to 11:00 p.m.
The latest flavors and specials can be found on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
For more information, call 305-888-2836 or visit @charliesicecream on Instagram.
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