LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The sweltering heat in our valley has created many screams for ice cream to cool off and it's bringing a much-needed rebound for ice cream shops in the Las Vegas valley.
Sunday, several customers were wanting to get their fill of matcha ice cream fix during the triple-digit heat.
It’s the signature item at Café Maiko in Chinatown.
Manager Hang Wong says he is proud to be able to offer ice cream to his customers. A year ago, it was strictly curbside and take out, as Wong was focused on having his business survive.
“The business was hit and miss but it was enough to pay the wages,” he said.
Currently, he is able to pay more than just wages as the summer heat has brought more people inside with sales of ice cream rising.
The National Dairy Association says July is the busiest time for ice cream producers. Wong says successful summer sales provide a nest egg for him and his staff that didn’t exist last year to get through slower months of the year.
“The summer months are our busiest months. That’s our primetime. This is the time when we make our money and reserve to get through the winter," Wong said.
The manager says he’s looking at perhaps introducing some new concepts to entice customers, especially during the slower winter months.
