BYRON — A Pecatonica family has opened up a new soft serve ice cream trailer located at 204 E. Blackhawk Drive in Byron. Sundae Social opened on July 10 and its hours are noon to 9 p.m. through Labor Day. It will stay open until Oct. 1 and its hours will be 3-8 p.m. after Labor Day.
The business is owned by Pete and Katryna Kirby. Katryna grew up in Byron and after the closure of Sam’s Drive-In in the city, the couple wanted to do something with ice cream to fill the void.
“In the spring we explored it and talked to other people that work out of trailers like we do,” Katryna said. “We talked to the city and some private property owners and found a spot. We added tables and lighting. We wanted to make it a destination for kids and families. It’s been a hit and it’s been busy. It’s been great. We have two young kids that we want to teach about business and entrepreneurship. One day they’ll help with it. We have some high school and college kids that staff it for us now. We’re grateful to have such a great crew.”
Sundae Social will be in the same location with the same hours next summer as well and plans to be a mainstay at its venue for the community. The work is being done by the Kirbys on top of their regular full-time jobs. Katryna works in public relations and social media and Pete works in construction.
“It’s a lot with our kids and our full-time jobs,” Katryna said. “We want it to be a learning opportunity for our kids. I’m hoping they get entrepreneurial spirit out of it. We just started it this year and we were able to get it open.”
Katryna said the feedback from the community on Sundae Social has been positive. With her work background, she wanted to make the business something that attracts social media attention and word of mouth.
“We’ve heard great comments from the community,” Katryna said. “They like having a spot to go with their families besides bars. We’ve heard good responses and met some great people. We’re so grateful.”
Sundae Social chose to stick with soft serve ice cream due to the community being used to it with Sam’s Drive-In. It has a special Sundae of the Week that it announces each Sunday.
“The support from the community means a ton,” Katryna said. “It takes a lot of time, tears and frustration to start a business. We’ve learned a lot and we’ve met great people. We wanted something unique for the community and something to make people happy and keep them coming back.”
