Heather Johnsen had to think a bit when asked what kinds of hobbies she had.
“I work all the time,” she said.
That she does. Her sister, Samantha, and best friend, Polly Rhodes, help out when they can, but it’s usually Johnsen handing out ice cream treats and Hawaiian shaved ice out of the pink truck.
She came to Columbus with her husband, Sgt. 1st Class Mike Tully, who was killed in Iraq in 2007, the year she began the Ice Cream Girl & Co. Originally from Pittsburgh, Johnsen stayed in Columbus.
“I always wanted to stay here,” she said.
Johnsen now lives with her German shepherd.
“I want to thank this community,” she said. “I wouldn’t be here without everybody’s support.”
Johnsen spoke about her life as an ice cream truck owner last week.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
How long have you had the truck?
This is my fourth season.
What made you decide to have a portable location rather than a permanent structure for the business?
When gas prices got so high, I wanted to be in one place. I kind of wanted to be in the mall, but you have to go through a lot of red tape.
How do you resist the urge to eat everything that you sell?
I eat a Hawaiian ice every day. One.
What’s your busiest season?
May through July, when school is out. The rest of the year is steady. I stay very busy.
What’s your best selling item?
The basic drumstick. And Hawaiian Ice is No. 2.
Do you rotate which frozen treats you sell?
I never have anything very long. I know what sells. I carry the more expensive ice cream. The characters (Dora the Explorer, Spongebob Square Pants) are very popular. Messy, but popular.
What unusual combination of syrups have you poured on shaved ice for customers?
Sour root beer.
Is that a flavor?
No. I pour root beer and then the sour. It’s weird. Little kids love anything sour.
Do you discourage customers from combining syrups that don’t seem like they’d taste good together?
No. If you want to try it, I’ll certainly make it. But if you don’t like it, I’ll make another.
What’s the most popular combination of syrups?
It’s called Tiger Blood -- strawberry, coconut and watermelon. In Hawaii, it’s the most popular.
What age groups are most adventurous when ordering?
The young ones, from 9-13.
Why do you think there aren’t that many food trucks in Columbus?
The health department is very difficult. I don’t produce any food ... it’s a gray area. I hope to come to a harmonious agreement soon.
How easy is it to move from location to location?
We drive. I have two trucks.
How did you choose Harmony Place for the business?
I was over in the Landings, but things just change. This is a good place. I’ve been told that 30,000 people drive by here on an average day.
What’s your favorite frozen treat?
I like the Granny Smith Apple Hawaiian Shaved Ice. Maybe I’ll have another favorite by the end of the summer.
Does it get hot inside the truck? How do you manage the heat?
We have a fan in there, but it’s not air-conditioned. Most of the time, we stay pretty cool.
Do you have plans to expand the business?
Not at the moment. I like the cute little kitschy local places like Dinglewood and Country’s. I want to keep it local right now.
How many employees do you have?
I have no employees, just my sister who helps me out and my best friend, Polly Rhodes, who is a schoolteacher and she helps me in the summer.
When you were a little girl, did you ever think you’d be doing this?
I grew up in New Jersey and always went to the Shores. Ever since I was a little girl, I wanted an ice cream truck. My favorite was the red, white and blue Bomb pops. The ice cream trucks had the bells. Each truck had a different bell. I knew which one had my pop.
Why did you choose the name Ice Cream Girl & Co. for your business?
It’s kind of Southern and simple.
Do you know the regulars by name?
We have a lot of them, and I don’t know all of them by name. But I know what they want.
