Leap of Faith Results in Blessings of Success for Local Couple

Lovers of all things cold and creamy had reason to celebrate this weekend. Peterson's Ice Cream Depot opened for the 2011 season, providing irrefutable proof that spring has arrived and is here to stay.  News came in the form of a mass e-mail to "Coneheads," a growing group of fans of Peterson's Ice Cream Depot in Clifton. Residents from surrounding areas will now be "living for the weekend," until April 1st, when Peterson's opens daily.  

Bragging rights for first treats of the season were quickly posted on area Facebook pages by teenagers and adults alike.  Among these are "The Clifton Creek," a dense concoction akin to a "Blizzard on steroids," jam-packed with toppings of customer's choice (there are dozens to choose from) and served in a hefty pint container.

Squish sandwiches, an ice cream sandwich that one has to see and taste to believe, is a sumptuous, if messy treat. Milkshakes here, offered in 35 different flavors, are so thick that removing the spoon from the cup is an Arthurian feat, like pulling Excalibur from its famed stone.  

While the list of treats detailed on the hand-written chalkboard menus could stupefy even the most experienced ice cream aficionado, it's not just the house-made ice cream and lemonade that have earned Peterson's its reputation as a delightful local institution. It's the atmosphere.  

The place simultaneously exudes nostalgia and youthful energy (with help from the 14 high school and college students  the Peterson's employ part-time), even a sense of wonder.  While Jean and Tom Peterson agree their idea for the Depot was serendipitous, spontaneous and something of a "leap of faith," the feeling here is a deliberate reflection and outgrowth of their family's personality.  

Both are Fairfax County natives.  Jean is a dentist; Tom is a retired Robinson High School teacher and coach.  Parents of three teenagers who help run the family business, both love Clifton history, young people and spending time with family at the beach.  Stepping on to the pathway that leads to the Depot, visitors are treated to photographic details of Clifton's years as a turn of the 20th-century train stop, something both know plenty about. Ten-year Clifton residents, the Petersons named the Depot, adjacent to their historic home, "Quigg House," in homage to village history.  

The couple is renowned for their front porch hospitality at the intersection of  Main and Chapel streets.  Tom is the immediate past mayor of the village and  is quick to credit Jean with their shared success. While Tom serves as the "day guy," preparing for service daily, Jean manages the business accounts, equipment acquisition, preparation of her famed coleslaw and more.  "Jean's amazing," Peterson said, crediting her ideas as those that have driven the business' growth.  

"Arrival" and "departure" windows help new customers navigate on inevitably busy days.  Still, visitors who "depart" with their ice cream in a hurry will miss plenty here.  Just beyond the ice cream windows on the back of the property is the Dog Pound, a place the Peterson's refer to as "our version of Key West in Clifton." 

Customers are encouraged to relax as they enjoy a variety of hot dogs and toppings with an iced tea or beer at one of the high table tops and stools, shaded by oversized umbrellas.  Various board games and huge checker sets are available for children of all ages to enjoy.  An all-weather television is usually tuned to a live sporting event, while the sounds of Jimmy Buffett emanate from hidden speakers throughout the hideaway.

Still, regulars here are eagerly awaiting the debut of hand-cut french fries later this month, the latest addition to the Peterson's menu.  As one might expect, these won't be just any french fries.  "We've done our research.  We know the best potato and that's a Burbank Russett," said Jean.  Fries will be offered with a variety of creative seasoning choices and dipping sauces that include everything from traditional vinegar to wasabi mayonnaise.  

The Peterson's attribute their success and growth in great part to "listening to their customers."  When Peterson's opened four years ago, Clifton was a town that shuttered before rush hour.  With the exception of the Clifton General store (now the thriving Main Street Pub and General Store) there really wasn't a place to get a "bite to eat" after hours, according to Tom.  

Perhaps not coincidentally, Peterson's growth has been concurrent with a sustained resurgence of businesses in town.  As avid "people watchers," the Petersons agree that they long ago envisioned Clifton as a town that "would be open after dark." Tom and Jean say they are "pleased to see so many choices" for residents and visitors.  "All the businesses here thrive off each other," Tom said.  

The Petersons also know their share about giving back to the community.  In growing their business, they have been generous to a multitude of charities and non-profit causes, making in-kind donations like the coveted "Peterson's Platinum Card" that offers one lucky family a free ice cream treat of their choice every day for one full season.  The Peterson's also make a point of hosting events, donating time and free ice cream to many charitable events.  Peterson said, "we've been blessed with success and try to return the favor," by frequenting neighboring businesses and "giving something back."

Peterson's will be open weekends until April 1st.  Between April and June, Peterson's will follow a "school schedule," opening after school daily.  As the "Conehead" following has grown too large to manage as an e-mail group, fans are directed to join Peterson's Facebook group.  Details on store hours, menu items and events may be found at www.petersonsdepot.com.  Future Coneheads should sign up to receive free ice cream on their birthday.