CHELTON – Vanilla, chocolate, strawberry. The ice cream flavour doesn’t matter because Mary Webster is sure she is able to set it on fire.
“We’re the littlest dairy bar on P.E.I. But like the area we’re in, we’ve got a lot of offer,” said Webster, the owner of Madame Moos Dairy Bar in Chelton.
This is the dairy bar’s second season.
“There aren’t many businesses up this way. And when the Village Store closed in Bedeque for good, my husband and I saw this void in the community. By starting this little dairy bar, I’m hoping to fill that hole.”
Webster also runs a bed and breakfast year-round on her property.
“Last year we were just a basic structure and I sell ice creams and sundaes and some casseroles, chowders or stews. I also sold fresh strawberries. This year we’ve added on to the building and we have a little gift shop. We’ve got little Island trinkets, handmade afghan blankets dishcloths and other items.
“In the future, I’m hoping I’ll be able to sell preserves and jams even those salad kits for people who need a bite to eat in the middle of a beach day. I’d like to partner with crafters and bakers too.”
Webster says opening the business has been rewarding, but also challenging at times.
“Starting a business is always costly. So, we built about 80 per cent of the kitchen here from recycled items we were able to find. But no matter what hiccups there were it’s been very rewarding to have this place.”
On the road to Chelton Beach the small pink dairy bar stands out among the surround trees.
“It’s a nice little spot out here. Chelton is an underdeveloped area but I think there is room to grow. The more rural businesses we have out here, the more tourists and locals we can retain to the area.”
She added, “People want to be here, we have a lot of cottagers, but we need to be able to offer them things to do and see.”
She says she would like to see the dairy bar become a community staple.
“It’s a nice feeling that I’ve gotten local support from Islanders. And it’s been really great to see the families come up. That’s probably my favourite part. Seeing the kids excited at a flaming sundae or just a regular cone is nice.”
