Betty Rae’s Ice Cream shop opening in Waldo

Betty Rae’s Ice Cream shop plans a spring opening in Waldo.

David Friesen is taking the former Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt spot at 7140 Wornall Road. He plans to offer two dozen different house-made ice cream flavors, as well as sorbet and some baked goods. It also will serve spiked milkshakes and beer floats.

Friesen met his wife, Mary, at the University of Missouri in Columbia, where they both had stints at Sparky’s Homemade Ice Cream.

“The vibe there was really good. It was really creative. We would make anything that we could think of and have it for customers the next day,” he said.

One of the couple’s creations was a lavender honey ice cream, which became a customer favorite.

He has recently worked as a baker at Sasha’s Baking Co. and Heirloom Bakery & Hearth in Kansas City.

Friesen’s new shop is near where Mary grew up and he named it after his late grandmother, Betty Rae.

“She was a phenomenal cook but she would always make time to have fun. If there was a mission statement (for Betty Rae’s) it would be something like that — good food and good times,” he said.

This story was originally published January 12, 2016 at 11:49 AM with the headline "Betty Rae’s Ice Cream shop opening in Waldo."