In Lafayette, Indiana, the cold weather of late fall and winter cannot dim the excitement surrounding the upcoming opening of Every’s, a new ice cream shop set to open on Main Street in mid-December. Inspired by a longing for ice cream year-round, Anna Watkins decided to fill what she identified as a need for sweet treats in the downtown area, especially as the holiday shopping season approaches. Anna, along with her husband Tanner and his parents David and Carla Watkins, envisions Every’s as a family-run business that not only offers a variety of ice cream options but also supports other local Indiana businesses. Located at 840 Main St., Every’s aims to be a welcoming spot for families looking to enjoy a simple pleasure like ice cream while shopping for the holidays.
Anna’s journey to this new venture began many years ago, long before she met Tanner. Her background in graphic design and a desire to create her own brand inspired her to consider how she could make an impact on the local community. Tanner and Anna’s paths crossed when Anna worked as a graphic designer for Northview Church, where Tanner served as a student pastor. Together, they began to explore the downtown scene, particularly noting a lack of dessert options. While the area has several restaurants that offer plated desserts, they realized that there were few places to grab something casual and sweet, such as ice cream. This gap in the market prompted the couple to brainstorm the idea of opening Every’s.
With a clear vision in mind, Anna designed a light blue logo for Every’s and set about the task of bringing the concept to life. A vacant shop space next to Tanner’s family’s established business, Two Tulips, presented itself as the perfect location. As construction on the new ice cream shop got underway, Anna and Tanner emphasized their goal to support local businesses throughout Indiana. They partnered with JB’s Barnyard, an ice cream manufacturer based in Evansville, to secure their ice cream supply, making Every’s the first store outside of that region to feature their products. This strong desire for local collaboration is deeply rooted in Anna and Tanner’s values, influenced by the successes of Tanner’s parents in their own business.
Alongside the 21 flavors of ice cream that will be offered at Every’s, the shop will also serve coffee and espresso options, including an affogato-style ice cream treat. This choice had personal significance for the couple, as their first date took place at Indie Coffee Roasters in West Lafayette. They proudly decided to feature Indie Coffee Roasters’ espresso beans, further rooting their business in personal history and community engagement. While the initial menu may be simple, the couple seeks to create a warm, inviting atmosphere that complements their community-oriented goals.
To generate local interest before the official opening, Tanner and Anna plan to host several soft-launch events, including participation in Two Tulips’ annual Shop Small Saturday, which will offer photo opportunities with Santa. These initiatives not only serve to familiarize the community with the new ice cream shop but also underscore the importance of community engagement that both Anna and Tanner hold dear. They believe that fostering local connections is vital for a successful business and aim to create a space that feels like a cherished part of downtown Lafayette.
As the grand opening approaches, Anna’s excitement reflects her commitment to contributing meaningfully to the Lafayette community. With a strong foundation built upon family values, local partnerships, and a passion for sweet treats, Every’s is poised to become a favorite destination for both locals and visitors in the heart of downtown Lafayette. The Watkins family is excited to welcome everyone to their ice cream shop, anticipating it will become a beloved spot that not only serves delicious ice cream but also fosters connection and community spirit in the area.