New ice cream truck rolls into town

Jul 1, 2015

If you’ve ever dreamed of having an endless supply of ice cream and snow cones, then you’re going to be envious of Jaime LeBlanc and Chris Johnson.

The couple, recent transplants to Mattapoisett, began their own mobile ice cream business this spring.

Jaime’s Hawaiian Ice is a bright yellow 1976 food truck that serves up traditional ice cream novelties and shaved ice made on the spot.

“She’s wanted to do it ever since she was a little kid,” said Johnson.

The pair has worked in the back-breaking restaurant business for 20 years, and they have the spinal injuries to prove it.

After undergoing surgery last fall, LeBlanc was ready for a change.

“We wanted to get a little break from that industry and be able to spend more time with our families through this truck,” said LeBlanc.

She has one child and Johnson has three.

The pair spent about six months working on their business plan and bought the vintage truck after that. They decided to leave the truck what might be called Big Bird yellow and decorated the inside with peace, love and Hawaiian leis.

“She’s kind of a hippie chick, so that’s how we decorated on the inside,” said Johnson.

He and LeBlanc decided to go beyond ice cream on a stick and make shaved ice, using their own syrups that are made without high fructose corn syrup and unnatural additives.

As far as the traditional ice cream truck goes, LeBlanc said, “We figured we’d try to revamp it and put our own spin on it.”

They have also thought up some interesting flavor combinations, keeping their younger customers in mind. The Shark Attack has blue raspberry flavor on the bottom, strawberry on the top and is sprinkled with Sour Patch Kids and gummy sharks.

Not only is the truck the fulfillment of a dream for LeBlanc, but she and Johnson also hope to make it a way to give back to the South Coast community, particularly the homeless.

As the business becomes more established, they would like to have a giveaway in New Bedford for the homeless population in conjunction with Mobile Loaves & Fishes truck ministry.

“Maybe they don’t have three dollars in their pocket but … it kind of makes them feel human again,” said Johnson.

Both he and LeBlanc fell in love with the group’s work and see the food truck as a way to help out.

“We believe in supporting our community too, not just taking from it,” said Johnson. “We’re trying to make the world a little bit better place than when we came.”

While Johnson is still working at a local restaurant, he hopes the food truck will build up enough business to support both of them. Eventually, they would like to have a BBQ food truck.

That is some years down the road, and until then, the two are enjoying getting to know their customers.

“The ice cream business is just happy,” said Johnson. “There’s no unhappy customers.”

Jaime's Hawaiian Ice be found in Mattapoisett and Fairhaven. They are also available for special events and fundraisers. To get their schedule or contact them, visit their Facebook Page "Jaime's Hawaiian Ice" or call 774-582-1128.