Rocking the rolled ice cream life

A version of this article was first published on Record-Bee.

HIDDEN VALLEY LAKE— With the walls covered in rock and roll legends and AC/DC blasting in the background, South County’s newest addition is not your average ice cream parlor. This weekend during its grand opening, Lake County welcomed its first rolled ice cream shop called Rock n’ Rolled Ice Cream located at 19851 Hartman Road in the Hidden Valley Plaza next to Stonefire Pizza.

Owner and operator 19 year-old Baylee Ann Grove and her staff of three served customers back to back from 11:30 to 9 p.m. squeezing in time for a ribbon cutting, photo opportunities, and building rapport with their new patrons. Grove grew up in Middletown having graduated from Middletown High School in 2021. She participated in the 4-H program beginning at 6 years old working up to raising market hogs and taking it a step further in working with show pigs. Grove travelled to other states to compete and took first place in a national competition in Denver Colorado. Grove said, “4-H taught me real life skills. It taught me skills in public speaking and the confidence to stand in front of a judge’s panel.”

Originating in Thailand, rolled ice cream has gained notoriety across the globe, especially in the last five years. What sets rolled ice cream apart from traditional ice cream is how it’s made: On a frozen plate kept at minus 25 degrees, remaining thin enough to be rolled into spirals making for a delicious and unique dessert. The ice cream is also made right in front of you, making it more of an experience that traditional ice cream. Grove had enjoyed the treat on her travels, and considering the closest existing establishment was a two-hour drive into the Bay Area, she thought she could start such a business here and “Bring some smiles to Lake
County.”

Grove began her business in April 2022 with the help and support of her family, vending at local festivals, farmer’s markets and private events. Competing and winning first place for a start-up in the most recent Hands Up Lake County Competition, Rock and Rolled Ice Cream progressed from selling at local farmer’s markets into Grove operating its own parlor. She said she began renovations on the building in August, which was previously an office, converting it into a bold hang out spot.

A photo menu of their offerings hangs at the entrance, fitting the classic rock theme with menu items titled “Rock and Roll All Night”, “Tiny Dancer” and “Hotel California.” They also offer several crepes, paninis, drinks and milkshakes. Teaming up with local businesses Whip It Up and Courtney’s Confections, Rock n’ Rolled also offers locally made hot chocolate bombs and custom cookies with the store’s logo. Grove excitedly shared, “Thank you to everyone, the ribbon cutting, this is a dream come true. If you have a dream, don’t ever give it up!” Grove further mentioned, “It is possible to do what you want to do at a young age. Age won’t stop you, don’t let it be a setback. You don’t have to go to college, there are other things you can do in this world.”

Filling the gaps she experienced in High School, Grove said she hopes to provide a safe space for high schoolers to gather after hours stating “I was a high schooler. There is nowhere to go, no nightlife. It’s a half hour drive just for us to go to McDonalds. I am keeping later hours here to give them somewhere to go.”

Rock n’ Rolled Ice Cream is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and can still be hired for private events and found at big festivals like the Pear Festival and Bacon Fest. More information on their hours and menu items can be found on the shop’s social media pages on Instagram @rock.n.rolled icecream and their Facebook Page Rock N Rolled.