Danielle's Frozen Custard Shop opens at Laughlin

  • Published
  • By Kaley Briesmaster
  • 47th Flying Training Wing public affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The Laughlin community has a new dining option on base. After celebrating its grand opening Friday Nov. 6, Danielle's Frozen Custard is officially open for business.

Owner Sharon Medina originally opened her shop in Del Rio but said she decided to relocate to Laughlin after realizing that 95 percent of her customers were affiliated with the base. Danielle's is a joint effort between Medina and AAFES.

"I believe this will be a great location for our military community to enjoy, relax or just have a good cup of coffee," Grace Tunon, AAFES business manager, said.

Medina explained that frozen custard is creamier and richer than regular ice cream, yet surprisingly contains less fat and calories. All of the custard she serves is made fresh in the shop each morning. Chocolate and vanilla will be available each day along with a flavor of the day.

"We are always changing our flavor of the day," Medina said. "Our most popular flavors are Death by Chocolate, Strawberry Cheesecake, and Wedding Cake, which really does taste just like wedding cake."

After customers choose a flavor, they can add fruit, nuts, candy, chocolate, caramel and whipped cream to make a unique creation.

If there is a special flavor a customer is craving, Medina said she will do everything possible to make it for them. She recalled making a special pint of butter pecan for one wife who wanted to surprise her husband on his birthday.

Frozen custard is a popular dessert on the East Coast. So why open a shop in Del Rio? Medina explained that growing up in Phoenix, her brother loved frozen custard, going so far as dating a girl who worked at the local shop to avoid paying for his favorite treat.

Once he was older, his love for the dessert only deepened so he opened a shop of his own. His sister also caught the custard bug and decided to open a shop in her own community. The shop is named for her brother's only daughter, Danielle.

In addition to serving gourmet frozen custard, smoothies and milk shakes, Danielle's is also a new spot on base for a morning cup of joe or a late afternoon caffeine fix. The custard shop offers premium espresso and coffee, and can make anything from a simple latte or cappuccino to extravagant blended ice coffee drinks.

Medina said she wants her shop to be a place for everyone in the community. Her shop offers seating inside and on the patio, free Wi-Fi and TVs featuring news and sports. "I want this to be a place to get away from everything," she said. "This is for our boys and girls and their families."

Medina says student pilots in need of a study spot, families with children or friends that want a place to visit are always welcome in her shop. "We are here for them. This is strictly their place," she said.

Friends Kim Bleau and Stephanie Spears sat on the patio while they chatted and snacked on frozen custard one recent afternoon.

"It's awesome," Bleau said. "It's smooth and creamy. They have so many flavors and the prices are reasonable. Spears said she is excited to have a new place to get coffee on base. "I love that it has a coffee house type feel," she said. "You can sit down in a comfortable place and enjoy your drink."

Danielle's Frozen Custard is located next to the BX and is open from 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday.