At Mountain View Electric Association (MVEA), we know that small businesses are a big part of our community. As a not-for-profit cooperative, we’re deeply rooted in serving and supporting our members. Each Saturday this November, leading up to Small Business Saturday on November 30, we’re featuring small businesses in our service territory. This week, we’re thrilled to spotlight Lolley’s Ice Cream, a family-owned ice cream shop and event space in downtown Monument.
Lolley’s Ice Cream and Lolley’s Tasting Room, managed by Erin Clark, bring something special to the Monument community. Known for their scratch-made ice cream and unique mix-ins, Lolley’s crafts each batch with care and dedication. Erin shares that “when you come across something in your ice cream – whether it’s a cookie or sauce – we made it from scratch, including the actual ice cream.” This commitment to quality has been their signature since they opened five years ago. In addition to their traditional ice cream flavors, Lolley’s is known for offering allergy-friendly options, including gluten-free and vegan choices so that everyone can enjoy a scoop.
For Erin, Lolley’s feels like more than just a business. “Being a part of a not-for-profit electric cooperative makes us feel like part of a big family,” she says. “It’s different than being a cog in a machine of a bigger business – we feel that we’re part of a community and that MVEA really cares about the people it serves.”
Like many small businesses, Lolley’s relies on a steady, dependable power supply. “Without electricity, making ice cream would be truly impossible because of the machines we use,” Erin explains. “We make ice cream every day, and because we pasteurize the base, it’s about a four-day process for ingredients to turn into a frozen batch of ice cream.” Electricity is essential, even after hours, as batches are constantly being prepped and churned in Lolley’s dedicated production space across the street from their shop.
Beyond serving delicious ice cream, Lolley’s also offers a community gathering space through Lolley’s Tasting Room, located just across the street from the main shop. This event venue hosts everything from birthday parties to bridal showers, making it a cherished local spot. Erin explains that giving back to the community has always been a core value for Lolley’s. Partnering with schools and hosting events brings them joy, as they build lasting connections with everyone who walks through their doors.
Looking to the future, Lolley’s aims to expand its reach to Colorado Springs and Castle Rock while staying connected with the Monument community. They love meeting new faces and seeing people travel from all around to try their ice cream. And for those planning holiday visits, Lolley’s will soon release their holiday flavor line, with something for everyone to enjoy!
Erin captures the spirit of Lolley’s as a small business with a tight-knit team that feels like family. “It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of a family-owned business where we can all rely on each other,” she says.
At MVEA, we’re proud to be the cooperative that powers local businesses like Lolley’s Ice Cream. We’re more than just an electricity provider – we’re a partner, supporting and strengthening our community together. This November, we invite you to shop locally, support small businesses, and celebrate the people who make our community vibrant. Visit Lolley’s Ice Cream for a taste of what community ownership and support can accomplish!