Greeley Business Spotlight: Edison's Ice Cream

What started as a simple way for Nate and Krisanna Frary to bond with family and friends has blossomed into one of Northern Colorado’s most beloved ice cream brands: Edison’s Ice Cream. From the beginning, the Frary’s wanted their classic treats to bring people together. They focused on crafting high-quality, nostalgic recipes with natural ingredients and their commitment to inclusivity inspired them to offer dairy-free and gluten-free options so everyone could join in the fun.

Edison’s first appeared in Fort Collins as a small black-and-white ice cream cart. The cart quickly became a familiar sight at both public and private events, as well as fundraisers, introducing people to Edison’s unique blend of tradition, creativity and thoughtful flavors. As word spread, their offerings expanded to 12 signature flavors inspired by childhood favorites and seasonal ingredients.

After cultivating a loyal following, Edison’s opened its first ice cream parlor in Old Town Fort Collins. Now, their second location is officially open in Greeley, a milestone made possible by both their devoted community and the partnerships they forged along the way.

The new Greeley parlor occupies the former Salzman’s Shoe & Boot Repair, a long-standing local business with deep roots downtown. Edison’s worked closely with the City of Greeley Historic Preservation Office to thoughtfully renovate and restore the building, maintaining its historic character. Guests can still spot the iconic Salzman’s shoe-shaped sign inside, alongside other touches that honor the building’s past while complementing Edison’s retro aesthetic.

Edison’s success in Greeley was made possible through three local resources: the City of Greeley’s Small Business Land Use Center (SBLUC) and Historic Preservation Office, as well as the Greeley Downtown Development Authority (DDA). This collaboration between Edison’s, the City and the DDA is a strong example of how public-private partnerships can help small businesses thrive and breathe new life into downtown Greeley.

The City of Greeley’s Small Business Mini Grant, administered through SBLUC, is designed to help small and first-time businesses overcome the challenges of opening or expanding in the city. The grant covers essential technical service costs, like site planning, project management, architectural design and more, and SBLUC’s expert guidance ensures that businesses like Edison’s have support every step of the way.

When Edison’s chose a site within an historic district for their new location, the Historic Preservation Office supported the development review process to ensure the building’s unique character would be preserved and restored. Due to the project requiring major improvements, the Historic Preservation Commission worked closely with Edison’s throughout the planning and renovation process, ensuring all preservation guidelines were met.

Thanks to this collaborative approach, Edison’s brought new life to the building’s original architectural features while making significant exterior enhancements, like updating the awning, entrance and windows. These improvements contribute to the inviting charm and atmosphere that guests now enjoy at the ice cream parlor. The Mini Grant helped offset the professional costs, and Edison’s was able to combine this support with other local incentives.

The Greeley DDA’s grants and incentives were also instrumental in bringing Edison’s vision to life. Edison’s received a total of $119,794 through the Building Improvement Grant program and a Retail and Restaurant Incentive program, which funded key renovations, ranging from the exterior façade to essential interior upgrades. The DDA’s robust support for downtown businesses helps revitalize the area, making it more inviting for both locals and visitors alike.

Edison’s story is a testament to the power of leveraging local resources and partnerships. Business owners in the DDA district, those operating in historical buildings or anyone seeking to improve their location may find that exploring these grants and support programs to be the key to their success.

Now officially open in Greeley, Edison’s Ice Cream is the perfect place to stop by as summer approaches. For those in search for a classic scoop, a new flavor to try or a welcoming place to gather with family and friends, Edison’s brings a nostalgic, retro vibe and community‑focused charm to downtown. Welcome to Greeley!

Learn more about Edison’s Ice Cream here.