Something’s brewing—and freezing—in Rome City. And no, it’s not just another coffee shop.

Locals got their first taste of Lickity Splitz Ice Cream & Coffee, LLC. on Sunday during its soft opening, and judging by the steady flow of walk-ups and drive-thru orders, this tiny lakeside town may have just found its newest obsession.

Whether it was a caramel frappe, a cherry-lime dirty soda, or a double scoop of cookies and cream, one thing was clear: folks were coming back for seconds.

“We Just Wanted Something Fun for Our Community”

Set off East County Road 900 North, Lickity Splitz doesn’t scream corporate polish—and that’s exactly what makes it special.

It’s owned and operated by the Speicher family, who say they’ve been dreaming of a small-town food spot that offered both heart and flavor.

“We just wanted something fun and fresh, something the whole family could enjoy,” said Jenna Speicher, who was taking orders while her husband manned the espresso machine.

You could feel the small-town pride in every detail—from the hand-written menu boards to the folding chairs out front where neighbors swapped gossip over melting waffle cones.

It’s Not Just Ice Cream (Though That Helps)

Sure, the name might sound like a dessert place, and yes, the ice cream’s legit—local, creamy, not-too-sweet. But don’t be fooled. Lickity Splitz goes beyond sugar cravings.

They’re serving up:

• Breakfast burritos and croissant sandwiches starting at 6 a.m.

• Lunch/dinner items like paninis and pressed wraps.

• Specialty drinks, from caramel apple refreshers to “dirty sodas” (soda with cream, syrups, and unexpected twists).

• Locally roasted coffee, both hot and iced.

And for those on the go, there’s a full drive-thru window, which seemed to stay busy the entire day.

Community Reaction: It’s Already a Hit

By 2 p.m. Sunday, cars lined the gravel lot. The line at the walk-up window snaked around the corner. Staff passed out menus and samples, and kids giggled as they ran back and forth from picnic benches to the ordering window.

“We were just driving around and saw the sign—so glad we stopped,” said Liz Ramos, a teacher in nearby Kendallville. “This place is adorable. And the coffee’s actually amazing.”

Another customer chimed in: “That peanut butter shake? Fire.”

And then there was Tim from across the lake, who was just happy about the breakfast: “Finally, somewhere besides the gas station where I can grab a hot sandwich in the morning.”

Soft Opening, Big Plans

The Speichers aren’t going full-throttle just yet. The current schedule is limited: they’re open June 23–27 from 6 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. as they iron out kinks and perfect the flow.

After that? They’ll close briefly to reset.

The grand opening is scheduled for June 30. They’re planning giveaways, a DJ, maybe even a visit from a food truck or two.

“We want it to feel like a celebration,” Jenna said. “Not just for us, but for everyone who helped us get here.”

Table: Lickity Splitz Soft Opening Schedule & Offerings

There’s a subtle charm in the way this is unfolding. No flashy ads, no influencer launches. Just word of mouth, Facebook posts, and good old-fashioned service.

A Little Business With a Lot of Heart

At a time when chain stores and delivery apps dominate most dining options, Lickity Splitz feels like a throwback—in the best way.

It’s family-run. The menu has personality. And there’s already a growing list of “regulars” just a day in.

“This is the kind of thing that makes small towns feel alive,” said Mary Davis, who brought her two grandkids for ice cream after church. “You walk in, and they already know your name.”

As for the future, the Speichers aren’t rushing anything. They want to stay small, stay personal, and stay local.

“We’re not trying to be Starbucks,” said Jenna, laughing. “We’re just trying to be us.”