Elkhorn, Nebraska — what was once a sleepy little town on Omaha’s western fringe has exploded into a bustling community with a fierce sweet tooth. And now, the battle for ice cream supremacy is about to get even more intense next summer.
A new contender is stepping into the ring: Stella’s Ice Cream, a franchise born in Idaho, and they’re bringing their signature handcrafted flavors to town. But here’s the thing — this isn’t just any scoop shop moving in; Elkhorn already has its loyalties firmly planted, and Stella’s will need to bring more than just good vibes to make their mark.
“Elkhorn is already home to a number of beloved spots, with Dairy Chef’s loyal following and Coneflower’s strong brand,” says Alejandra Marquez, from Omaha Food Magazine. “In a town where ice cream isn’t just dessert but a community ritual, Stella’s will have to do more than just serve great scoops — they’ll need to carve out a place in the hearts of locals.”
The Home-Grown Heavyweights: Dairy Chef, Coneflower, and Cup and Cone
Let’s set the stage. If you think Stella’s can waltz into Elkhorn and coast on trendy flavors and slick branding, they’re in for a rude awakening. Dairy Chef, located at 204th and Maple, has been serving up nostalgia and sweetness for years. Families flock here every spring for their legendary soft-serve creations, like the towering Turtle Storm and the indulgent Breakup Storm.
Owner Mike Ozmun breaks it down simply: “It’s about more than just good ice cream. People come here to create memories — it’s where families celebrate birthdays, kids get their first cone, and friends gather after a ball game.”
But Stella’s isn’t just up against Dairy Chef’s old-school charm. Coneflower Creamery, an Omaha institution known for its award-winning farm-to-cone philosophy, has announced plans to open its third location in Olde Towne Elkhorn in 2025. The buzz is real, and the locals are already salivating over the thought of flavors like Honey Butter Bourbon and Blackstone Butter Brickle gracing their town.
“Coneflower’s decision to expand to Olde Towne speaks volumes about Elkhorn’s growth,” says Alejandra Marquez of Omaha Food Magazine. “Elkhorn residents appreciate quality, and they know Coneflower will bring it.”
And don't forget Dairy Queen and Cup and Cone are just down the street, too! Despite all of this, Stella's Ice Cream is optimistic.
Stella’s Ice Cream: The Newcomer with a Big Scoop of Optimism
Stella’s Ice Cream is ready to make waves in Elkhorn, and they’re bringing more than just cones. The Idaho-based franchise is setting up shop at 4002 North 203rd Street. But here’s where they plan to stand out: handcrafted flavors made daily using the freshest, locally sourced ingredients.
“We’re not just another ice cream shop,” a Stella’s representative said. “We believe in serving joy. All our flavors are made using a 100% all-natural dairy base and real vanilla. Plus, we offer 8 vegan options made with almond, coconut, and oat milk — so there’s something for everyone.”
Stella’s core mission is rooted in their four guiding principles: uncommonly kind customer service, bold and daring flavor experimentation, continuous progress, and a deep commitment to the community. For Elkhorn, they’re planning to do more than just sell scoops; they want to integrate into the fabric of the town just as they've done previously in other locations.
"One of the reasons we chose Elkhorn was because of its strong sense of community,” says Marquez. “They don’t just want to serve ice cream — they want to create a space where people can come together, share a smile, and feel like they belong.”
But let’s not sugarcoat it: Elkhorn’s locals are fiercely loyal. They’ve grown up on Dairy Chef’s classics and Coneflower’s artisanal creations. Stella’s might have the trendy flavors, but winning over this crowd will take more than just a slick mission statement.
The Community Connection: More Than Just Ice Cream
What makes Elkhorn’s ice cream scene special isn’t just the shops — it’s the community spirit that binds them all together. From the beloved Cup and Cone in nearby Bennington to the quaint shops lining Olde Towne Elkhorn, there’s a sense of camaraderie here that goes beyond the scoops.
Amy Anderson, owner of Little Scandinavia, is excited for what Coneflower will bring: “There’s nothing like this in Olde Towne right now. And with Coneflower coming in, it’s only going to enrich our community even more.”
Stella’s knows they’ll have to earn their place in this tight-knit town. Their strategy? Be more than just an ice cream shop — be a gathering place where locals feel at home. With their commitment to kindness and community-driven events, they’re hoping to carve out their own niche among Elkhorn’s sweet heavyweights.
The Scoop Showdown: Can Stella’s Hold Its Own?
Elkhorn’s ice cream scene is heating up, and Stella’s is stepping into a town where dessert isn’t just a treat — it’s a tradition. The locals are loyal, the competition is fierce, and the stakes are high. Will Stella’s manage to scoop out a space for themselves, or will they melt under the pressure?
For now, we’ll be watching — and tasting. Because one thing’s for sure: in Elkhorn, the ice cream wars have only just begun.
Image Credits: Stella's Ice Cream
