Students and Peorians alike are now able to get their fill of some sweet history at a nearby restaurant and ice cream shop this semester.
The Spotted Cow, located at 718 W. Glen Ave., recently released a special-edition ice cream flavor to celebrate Lydia Moss Bradley’s bicentennial birthday.
The limited-time dessert, titled “Mrs. Bradley’s Birthday Blend,” consists of vanilla ice cream with red velvet cake batter. Bradley staff worked alongside Spotted Cow owner Frank Abdnour in order to make the flavor unique to the university’s founder.
“We wanted something kind of delicate to go along with Mrs. Moss Bradley,” Abdnour said. “I like the actual cake and the flavor of the batter. It turned out much better than I thought.”
The restaurant hosted an unveiling Aug. 24 to introduce the ice cream to the public. Many Bradley representatives attended the event, including President Gary Roberts.
“I am a huge ice cream aficionado,” Roberts said. “This flavor was very good, amazing since I would think virtually every flavor that’s any good would have already been invented by now, but this was quite unique and excellent.”
Head softball coach Amy Hayes attended the tasting and said she hopes the Bradley community will embrace the ice cream.
“It’s important to celebrate this amazing individual who was a pioneer for women in business and philanthropy,” Hayes said. “We are so fortunate to be a part of her legacy.”
Abdnour and Hayes said they suggest trying the flavor to support local businesses in Peoria. The Spotted Cow is independently owned and does not have a chain franchise.
“Part of the college experience is to discover what’s unique about your college town, and I think we’re a part of that uniqueness,” Abdnour said. “You’re part of the community; you want to enjoy the flavor of your community.”
Abdnour actually started the business on a pushcart on Bradley’s campus around 1984. His first store was located on the corner of Main and University, where Avanti’s currently sits.
“I’ve been doing this for a long time and I think we’re kind of synonymous with Peoria,” Abdnour said. “I’ve always had a good rapport with Bradley and they’ve always been good to us.”
Sophomore animation major Aime DeLattre encourages students to try the new flavor.
“It is very good,” DeLattre said. “I would definitely go back to get it again.”
Mrs. Bradley’s Birthday Blend already proved popular, as it sold out Sunday morning. However, Bradley students have the opportunity to taste the flavor through the end of the year.
