I'm Michelle, the publisher and editor of Macaroni KID Winter Garden-Ocoee. I love meeting and getting to know people. This is how I get to learn about amazing people and how they are impacting our community in positive ways. Through the Macaroni KID newsletter and website, I get to write articles and am introducing a new feature: Community Spotlight! In our very first Community Spotlight, we get to learn more about Jennifer, the owner of Abbott's Frozen Custard. Here, she shares about herself, what it takes to own a local business, what she looks for when hiring high schoolers, why being community-minded is important to her, and some of her favorite things to do in town. I want to thank Jennifer for her time and for offering newsletter subscribers a special offer to celebrate National Ice Cream Day at Abbott's Frozen Custard!
Tell us where you’re from and how you came to Winter Garden?
I am from Rochester, NY (also the home of Abbott's Frozen Custard) and moved here to Winter Garden in 2013 due to a job change for my now ex-husband. We chose this area due to it's proximity to Disney, the highly rated schools and small town feel.
How did you come to the idea of being a business owner and what training/preparation did you do to be able to get to your position?
Owning an Abbott's became a dream of mine as soon as we moved down. We saw the need for a place where families could bring their children and enjoy the amazing custard I grew up loving! Training was all done back at our corporate locations in Rochester where I went through an intense 5-day program, learning all I needed to know! I think it also helped that I had years of experience when I was younger, both bartending and waiting tables. In my line of work it's important to know how to deal with the public and have good customer service skills.
What advice do you have for moms starting a new business?
In the beginning it was very hard having two young boys at home. I constantly felt torn between wanting/needing to be both at home and at work. My advice would be to look to your family, friends and community for help; don't be afraid to ask when you need it. Also, don't feel like you have to do it all. Learn to delegate and give responsibilities to your team of employees. While the first days and weeks are tough, it does get better.
If someone wants to work at Abbott's, what qualities do you look for and what skills will they learn?
I employ teenagers who are in high school, many of which are looking for their first job. When interviewing, I look for someone who is outgoing, energetic, not afraid to hold a conversation and look me in the eye. I want to know what their responsibilities at home are and how involved at school they are. It's important to me that my employees understand that family/home and school come first for them, so if they are unable to maintain those responsibilities, then they won't be able to maintain their responsibilities to me. Once employed, they learn how to work with all types of customers, count money accurately, answer the phone, keep the store clean, and, of course, make delicious products that keep our customers coming back for more! It truly is amazing watching my employees go from just starting out, not knowing what they are doing when they show up for their first shift, to graduating high school and having learned so many important skills. Skills that they will take with them throughout their lives no matter what their future career is.
What are your favorite local spots to take your kids to when eating out? For dessert? For fun?
I love taking my kids to Disney, of course. But when I want to keep it more local and easy, we head to the newly opened Urban Air right by Abbott's. It's located right down the street from our house so I always know that they will find a friend while there and it's a safe, clean environment where I can let them run around and have some fun! When eating out we also like to keep local, usually hitting Miller's Ale House, Huey Magoo's or NY Beer Project (also from the Rochester area!).
I’ve noticed you give back to the community with your business, especially in the local schools. Why is that important to you?
For me, this isn't just about making money, it's also about community. In the four years since we have been open, I have been able to meet so many incredible people that live here in Horizon West and it gives me such a feeling of pride knowing that we can make a difference. Our schools need our support in order to succeed and our kids need not only a place to go and have fun, but also a place to work and learn skills that they will carry with them. Here at Abbott's, we want to be the place where families know us and know that they can take their kids here. We guarantee everyone will leave happier than when they came in!
What is your favorite go-to place for an adult night out?
I enjoy a night out down on Plant Street in Winter Garden. I love the small town feel and all of the options for good food, drinks and entertainment!
Do you know other amazing community members, local small business owners or a local expert with something to share that should be featured in our Community Spotlight? Let me know here!
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