The phrase "hard times bring people together" is a good way to describe the idea Kristie Carlini came up with for her new business after Florida's 2005 hurricane season. Carlini founded KC's Big Dipper, the first frozen custard joint in Winter Haven, in 2004, but after "the honeymoon period" and a devastating string of hurricanes, she was forced to get creative. That's when she thought up Doggie Nights.
"You'd be surprised how people open up when dogs are around," Carlini says. "They stay for hours."
Three years ago, Carlini began a monthly Doggie Nights event outside her frozen custard parlor, where the largest turnout to date included more than 50 dogs and their owners.
"I was afraid of doing it at first," Carlini admits, due to the spontaneity and mischief dogs are more than capable of, as well as their noise level.
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Man and man's best friend love going out for treats.
Provided by Kristie Carlini |
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But she says she was pleasantly surprised and had "no problems."
"Dogs are more social than people," she says of the experience, as she shows off her fun digital picture frame, displayed in her store, which flashes photos of previous Doggie Night events.
A Winter Haven resident since 1976, Carlini, who used to work in medical administration, decided to open her own business five years ago with her husband.
"I've never been a huge ice cream person," Carlini admits, but one day she had a strong craving for it and was more than disappointed by what was offered locally.
So, when she and her husband tasted frozen custard for the first time outside of town, she knew instantly that they should invest in the idea. "The taste of frozen custard is so distinct from anything else," she says.
Frozen custard, as apposed to other ice cream, must be made and served between 20 and 24 degrees, and it consists of 1.4 percent pasteurized egg. There's also 20 to 22 percent air whipped into it, making it much fluffier than ice cream.
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Dog-lovers gather at KC's Big Dipper for Doggie Nights.
Provided by Kristie Carlini |
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The store was an immediate success, but Carlini thought of the idea for Doggie Nights when she realized her store needed a novelty factor to keep customers intrigued.
She's also a dog lover, so the decision was an easy one.
For Doggie Nights, part of the parking lot is roped off and chairs and umbrellas are set up. Each dog owner receives a ticket for an ice cream served in a dog bone for his or her canine friend.
Not only are these events successful, but this year Carlini has added live music, which she says has made the dogs quieter.
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A dressed-up dog is excited about getting a scoop of frozen custard during Doggie Nights at KC's Big Dipper in Winter Haven.
Provided by Kristie Carlini |
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Vendors have shown a keen interest as well. They include Holden Photography and Veterinary Healthcare Associates, who have become sponsors of Doggie Nights.
Last Halloween, Carlini held a dog costume contest; the winner received an annual membership for the Veterinary Healthcare Associates dog park. This year's winners were the Tijuana Twins, dressed as mariachi performers.
Doggie Nights are held on the last Monday of every month, except for November and December, because of the hectic holiday season.
Dogs and their owners, however, are welcome anytime at KC's Big Dipper, which is located at 3080 Cypress Gardens Road.
