Veteran Air Force Pilot and Wife Open Stella’s Ice Cream Franchise in Idaho Falls, Idaho, Offering Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Options
Military Family Plants Roots in East Idaho With New Ice Cream Business
Idaho Falls, Idaho — A retired U.S. Air Force pilot and his wife have brought a new ice cream franchise to Idaho Falls, offering East Idaho residents a gourmet frozen treat experience complete with gluten-free cones, dairy-free options, and what one co-owner calls “a little piece of heaven” in the form of a chocolate chip cookie bowl.
Mary and James Peterson opened Stella’s Ice Cream at 3544 E. Avalanche St. in Idaho Falls last October, marking the latest chapter in the couple’s story after James completed 24 years of service as a pilot in the United States Air Force. Both originally from Utah, the Petersons chose to settle in eastern Idaho — a region Mary was familiar with through family ties and one James had visited during his college years.
“We have been enjoying it,” Mary said. “We have been here almost two years, and it really is like home.”
With retirement came the opportunity to pursue a new venture. The couple began researching franchise options and eventually landed on Stella’s Ice Cream — a decision that was sealed by something straightforward: taste.
“We started looking into different franchises, and we found Stella’s Ice Cream,” Mary said. “As soon as we tried it, we knew this is what we wanted to do.”
Stella’s corporate office sent the Petersons a case of ice cream to sample before they committed to the franchise. That firsthand experience with the product gave them the confidence to move forward.
High Butter Fat Content and Clean Ingredients Set Stella’s Apart
What distinguishes Stella’s Ice Cream from competitors, according to Mary, is a combination of ingredient quality and a notably high butter fat content. Stella’s products carry a 16% butter fat content, placing the brand in the super-premium category — a designation that applies to ice creams ranging between 14% and 18% butter fat.
By comparison, economy brands typically fall between 10% and 12% butter fat, the minimum legally required to be labeled ice cream. Premium brands range from 12% to 14%, while super-premium products like Stella’s reach 14% to 18%.
“It puts us in the gourmet category,” Mary said. “It makes the ice cream more creamy and dense.”
Beyond richness, Mary also emphasizes the use of clean and fresh ingredients — ones with names that are easy to pronounce and recognize. That commitment to ingredient transparency is increasingly important to health-conscious consumers across the country, including those in Idaho Falls.
The menu also caters to customers with specific dietary needs. Stella’s offers gluten-free waffle cones, sugar cones, and cakes, as well as dairy-free selections. Mary said those options have opened the doors of an ice cream shop to customers who had given up on the experience entirely.
“We will get people coming in saying they haven’t been to an ice cream shop in 20 years,” Mary said. “They wouldn’t go because they didn’t think there would be anything for them.”
That kind of customer reaction has become one of the most rewarding aspects of running the business, Mary noted. Opening in October — not traditionally the peak season for frozen desserts — meant an early test of perseverance, but the Petersons say business has been steady. With spring now giving way to summer across Bonneville County, the couple is looking ahead to their first full warm-weather season with optimism.
“Something that is great about selling ice cream is everyone who comes in is happy and upbeat,” Mary said. “Ice cream is just a really fun thing to sell.”
What Comes Next
As Stella’s Ice Cream in Idaho Falls heads into its first summer season, the Petersons are anticipating increased foot traffic from residents across Bonneville County and the broader East Idaho region. The shop, located at 3544 E. Avalanche St., is positioned to serve both longtime locals and newcomers to the area. Residents interested in learning more about the menu, including gluten-free and dairy-free offerings, can visit the location directly. For additional coverage of East Idaho business and community news, visit idahonews.co and IdahoNewsNetwork.com.