Driving down Route 93 through
Michael’s is one of the longest-standing staples in
The interior decor modestly resembles a traditional ice cream parlor, complete with old-fashioned glassware. However, certain aspects such as the marble counter tops give the store a modern flair. Historic photographs of
Michael’s history dates back to 1903, when 16-year-old Joe Michael came to the
Joe eventually passed the business on to his two sons, Ed and Moses. The store continued to make its own ice cream until 1966, when the owners opted to buy from a local distributor. Michael’s currently sells 16 flavors of ice cream, accompanied by 14 homemade toppings including hot fudge, pineapple, black raspberry and peanut butter.
From its inception, Michael’s has been best known for two items: “the bubble” and home-roasted nuts. The bubble is a delicious concoction of French vanilla ice cream draped with hot chocolate sauce and marshmallow sauce, then generously topped with fresh roasted peanuts. After trying one for myself, I can see why it is the most popular item at Michael’s—the homemade sauces and crushed peanuts make the bubble completely authentic.
The home roasted peanuts have their own unique story. Originally, Joe ordered a popcorn-making machine for the store; instead, he received a peanut roaster. He decided to keep the roaster and Michael’s still roasts a variety of peanuts today, ranging from Spanish to redskin. In fact, former
Two teenage boys sit down and order bubbles; one of them is definitely a first-timer. As they slurp down their treats, the bubble veteran says, “Now it’s your obligation to show another person.” With such dedicated patronage, it’s no wonder that Michael’s continues to operate as one of the most popular businesses in
2 comments:
Moved to Fl. at the age of 18...always get a bubble when I come back to Jackson!!! Not another ice cream palor like it... and lets not forget the veals.....yummmm
Debbie Bates Keller
We moved to Texas not too long after marriage. Although as children we both lived in larger cities, we were sooo Jackson County. Our first trip into a Bas'Robbins, Billy ordered a Bubble. The looked at us as if we had 2 heads. We explained. Wound up with a turtle. I'm not sure how long it took us to realize that like the JCVeal, the Bubble was exclusive to our home. Moving back to Jackson not many years later, we were thankful for so much more than just family and jobs...Thanks Tom and family for continuing the tradition. Just because the building moved, the business never changed. Keep up the good work.
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