In a city with a climate as hot as ours, the seeming lack of street vendors selling icy treats seems unusual. We started sniffing around to see what mobile delights are out there. Words Andy Mills and Caitlyn Davey.
When Dan Furlong noticed there were no ice cream vans at a Rugby Sevens tournament in the UAE, he had a brainwave. With the help of his brother Nathen, five years later they’re now running Desert Chill ice cream vans on streets throughout Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Al Ain. TOAD asks Nathen all about starting this concept that is new to the UAE.
How did you come up with the name?
We liked the idea and notion of ‘chilling’ or ‘cooling’ the intensity of the desert heat and wanted to have a culturally sensitive brand to build on, so we felt good about Desert Chill.
Were there specific difficulties in trying to set up such a concept in Abu Dhabi/the UAE?
When you’re a first mover, there are always difficulties in trying to create a new concept, especially when the trade bracket doesn’t exist. With that said, the Abu Dhabi government is very proactive and forward thinking, and so they worked with us as diligently as possible to implement the change that fits with their vision for the city.
How can people spot your vans?
Our fleet is mainly Mercedes vehicles and we build them using specific partners. The van is pink and blue for a reason. We wanted to be bold and decided to put a modern feel to the old classic. The vehicles stand out on the road and the colours appeal to children who make up a large portion of our customer base. In addition, pink and blue screams fun!
How did you decide where to visit on your regular weekly routes – do you know the city well or were you advised by other people?
We did this the same way we built the whole business. Dan and I got in the vans and drove them ourselves to find out, network and learn.
How can people track down one of your vans in Abu Dhabi? How long do you stay in each spot?
We are not the conventional ice cream truck and operate largely on the demand we have created. We are very accessible and can be reached and ordered from Facebook, Twitter, BBM and soon, even a smartphone app.
What ice cream delights do you sell? Do you have ‘Mr Whippy’ and 99s?
We sell a lot of the retro classics, ranging from Cornettos and Magnums to Callippos and Twisters. We have a variation of the 99 with a Flake, and hopefully there will be some more exciting developments coming soon.
Has anybody tried copying you yet?
Yes it appears so. We are aware of some presence and to be honest it kind of goes with the territory of being a first mover. But we think it’s about staying true to what we do, and the level of customer service and accessibility that we provide, that differentiates us.
Desert Chill, www.desertchill.ae (050 612 2108).
Coming soon
The newest frozen delights store to hit town, Sub Zero Ice Cream & Yogurt, will open its first UAE franchise this month. The American company has a unique and entertaining way for you to get your fill of dairy (or non-dairy) products.
Using liquid nitrogen, its ice cream is flash-frozen before your very eyes! Pick your base (gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free and soy-free are also available), your flavours and mixers, and then watch it solidify at nearly -200°C! The flash-freezing enables every ice cream to be made fresh. Sub Zero has many combinations and can cater to most dietary requirements.
Sub Zero Ice Cream & Yogurt, open from October 3, Level 3, Abu Dhabi Mall.
