Facebook group ‘saves’ long-time local business

A little more than a year ago, local businessman Tim May announced that his ice cream shop, The Chocolate Moose, might be closing its doors for good.

Bloomington resident Kara Oltman found out about the news when May brought a flyer into her workplace.

Oltman then started a Facebook group titled “Help Save the Chocolate Moose.”

“I knew the community would be losing a local treasure, and a Facebook group seemed to be a good way to get the news out,” Oltman said.

More than 3,500 people joined the group, which caught the attention of current owner Jeff Grossnickle. Grossnickle, who worked at the ice cream shop in his youth, was overwhelmed by the support the business received.

“The Moose was my ‘Stand by Me’ movie growing up. I just wasn’t ready to see it go,” Grossnickle said.

He said the number of members in the Facebook group was instrumental to his decision to buy The Chocolate Moose.

Grossnickle purchased The Chocolate Moose in Febraury 2009. Since then, the restaurant debuted several new flavors of ice cream, added chili to the menu and installed a video projector to play movies while customers wait in line.

Many customers come to The Chocolate Moose for ice cream; others, such as IU junior Moe Lecha, believe the restaurant’s atmosphere keeps it going.

“The Moose is a great place to go with friends before going to a game or show. It just has that old-fashioned feel to it,” Lecha said.

Grossnickle has considered a future expansion of The Chocolate Moose.

“I would love to add a second location in 2010,” Grossnickle said. “It will probably be in Bloomington, but I also have had two offers outside of Monroe County.”

Oltman’s Facebook group is now called “We helped save the Chocolate Moose!!” and it serves as a message board on which people can share their favorite memories of the ice cream shop.

Oltman said she remembers visiting The Chocolate Moose as a child with her mother, something she wishes to pass on to her own daughter.

“I am so thankful I will be able to make memories with her of summer days visiting The Chocolate Moose,” Oltman said. “I wouldn’t want her to miss out on such a great part of her hometown.”