New Lenox's Ranch Frostie Reopens, Familiar Face Is Now Sole Owner

NEW LENOX, IL — Better late than never—and after its owner worked to secure sole proprietorship—New Lenox staple Ranch Frostie is opening for the season.

The boards are off the windows; the picnic tables are waiting. By Friday evening, the line will be long with those hankering for a cherry dip. Or a sundae. Or a float.

Jackie Potocki, who has co-owned the local ice cream spot with a business partner since 2018, is now its sole owner, a move she started pursuing months ago and which—much to many's dismay—delayed its opening. Until now.

(No really, it's open. As of Friday. We swear.)

"I definitely want to express my gratitude to our amazing community that I have been so blessed to be a part of for all these years managing Ranch Frostie," Potocki told Patch. "I am grateful for everyone's patience as I worked through all the scenes."

Potocki, whose family moved to New Lenox in the '70s and whose own childhood is filled with memories of Ranch Frostie, said she's thrilled to carry on the tradition that so many love.

"I grew up here and have so many core families that I have been able to call friends from this town," Potocki said. "One being the Hoyt Family, legendary owners of this icon. To be able to carry on my role as the sole proprietor is very exciting, but most importantly, having the opportunity to continue doing what I have come to love so much—it is such a fulfilling part of my life."

The business has been part of the New Lenox community for more than 60 years, its website reads.

Throughout those decades, it’s remained a neighborhood staple and a favorite place for friends and neighbors to "gather and enjoy tasty treats."

"I rode my bike up to Frostie's with all my neighborhood friends, and it was everything in the summers growing up in New Lenox—the best memories," Potocki said. "My children share the same memories from their childhood."

'Her love for Frostie is so deep'

Previous owners Doug and Teri Hoyt have a deep personal history with the iconic business, which the family owned beginning in 1970. But its roots trace back further.

First known as Fitzer's Frostie by food salesman Roy Fitzer, the original soft-serve ice cream and soft drink location opened in 1955 at Route 30 and Cedar Road. It was known as a favorite place of summer employment for local high school teachers. In 1970, Harold Hoyt took ownership, then hoisting the building and moving it to its current location, 1259 N. Cedar Rd. After his death, Teri and Doug Hoyt took over, then expanding the business to include food—hot dogs, specifically, Teri Hoyt told Patch.

"That’s where my love of Frostie originated," Hoyt said. "From the ice cream only, to the addition of hot dogs, to where it is right now. ... We rented the land there, and then we actually purchased it."

Though Hoyt has since moved away from New Lenox, Potocki has stayed in touch, consulting her over the years.

"Teri and I had very intimate conversations of her future vision of Frostie's way back when the opportunity to carry the torch of Frostie's was a possibility for me," Potocki said. "It was about our community and keeping the tradition the same, bringing the community together in the most wholesome way. I promised to hold on to that vision dearly."

Hoyt is thrilled the business she and Harold held so dear is now wholly in Potocki's hands.

"It makes me happy," Hoyt said. "Jackie’s business is truly a love. Knowing that she will be at the helm, it makes my heart happy. And I want her to be happy."

'A glorious day'

As fans clamored for the opening—you can't peruse a New Lenox-centric Facebook page without many asking when (and if) it would happen—both Hoyt and Potocki were reminded just how intrinsic the business is to the community.

"... My children share the same memories from their childhood," Potocki said, of her bike treks up to the business. "I hope this tradition carries on for years to come!"

Hoyt is excited to see Potocki on her own at the helm. The windows have slid open; the familiar fluorescent lights will buzz after sunset.

"My hope, is that Friday will be a glorious day," Hoyt said. “All of us Hoyts are in her corner. Frostie’s is in our blood, and we love it, and Jackie loves it as much as we do. The fact that she’s working so diligently and so hard, she’s a blessing.

"With her at the helm of Frostie’s, it will reign wonderfully."

Ranch Frostie is located at 1259 N. Cedar Road. It's open weekdays 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and weekends 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.—"or whenever the line ends," Potocki joked.