At Howdy Homemade, located in Dallas, employees serve up large, generous scoops of ice cream—each one served with a side of love and kindness.
Tom Landis, the restaurateur behind the brand, has been committed to hiring individuals with special needs for many years. While he had always welcomed people with diverse abilities into his fast-paced sandwich shops and pizzerias, he often struggled to find suitable roles for everyone who sought employment. Determined to create a business that valued friendliness and provided a safe, supportive environment, Landis found the perfect solution in ice cream.
In 2015, he opened the first Howdy Homemade ice cream shop. Since then, the business has expanded to eight franchises in cities such as Asheville, El Paso, Indianapolis, and Denver. Each location creates around 15 jobs for individuals with special needs, providing them with an environment that prioritizes safety and inclusion. Landis also has plans to open two more locations in the near future.
“Our unwavering mission is to employ everyone,” Landis explains.
The success of Howdy Homemade is fueled by the employees themselves, who contribute many of the best ideas for the ice cream offerings. The shops are known for their fun and unique flavors, including the fan-favorite Dr. Pepper Chocolate Chip, along with other delicious options like Cold Brew & Cookies and Strawberry Milkshake. In-store sampling events are proving successful, with the brand securing deals with Sam’s Club and other grocery stores.
“It just works,” says Landis of the ice cream flavors. “We sell out every time.”
The Howdy Homemade shops are bright and cheerful, with vibrant colors and a warm atmosphere. Employees spread joy to customers as they dish out extra ice cream and top off cones with free sprinkles, always going the extra mile to create a positive experience.
“Ice cream is all about happiness,” Landis reflects. “That’s what it’s all about.”
For Landis, his employees are nothing short of heroes.
“They inspire me,” he says, “They lead me every day.”
Howdy Homemade isn’t just a business—it’s a place where smiles are served alongside every scoop, and where inclusion and kindness are the main ingredients.
