Jo Jo’s stays cool

For the News & Messenger

Talk about family friendly. Jo Jo’s Original Softserve ice cream stand on South Main in Dumfries even caters to the family pet. For $1.05 you can order a “Pup Cup” to cool the canine member of your
family. You can’t miss this brightly colored location situated on the edge of U.S. 1, old-fashioned and cozy with two walk-up windows for customers. Just look for the large plastic ice cream cone on the
curb.

After serving 14 years on the Dumfries Police force, 38-year old owner Joe Ruhren opened Jo Jo’s July 19, 2004 to continue his service to the community. His objective? To offer the families and kids of
Dumfries a friendly, inviting venue where they can come and enjoy a variety of ice cream selections, listen to music from the ‘50s and beyond, and meet and play around this red and white structure with
plenty of umbrella covered tables providing outdoor seating. There are even a few freestanding soda fountain stools gracing a counter.

Ruhren has lived in the area for 35 years and is a local graduate of Potomac High School. His establishment has recently been accepted as a business partnership with Prince William County Schools.

Ruhren prides himself on the many friendships he has made running Jo Jo’s, some like a second family. His poised general manager, Alan Shumaker, personifies the high energy and friendliness that
surrounds this neighborhood eatery. The affable 23-year-old has been friends with Ruhren for 10 years and is instrumental in keeping the everyday operations running smoothly. Shumaker says of
Ruhren, “He’s always dreamed of having his own shop, especially a business that caters to young people; he likes being surrounded by nice friendly people [and] what [could be] better than opening an
ice cream shop.”

Jo Jo’s generosity extends to employees who enjoy an Employee Appreciation Day at Busch Gardens every year. Select employees are treated to a day at the park and a special dinner on the house.
The dozen or so employees are local high school students between the ages of 15 and 16 with a few college students added in the mix. Shumaker says there’s no slacking — “Sometimes you have
seven hours of nonstop work.” — waiting on long lines of customers and keeping the grounds clean. “We put a lot of time and effort into keeping the shop clean. On a regular basis we power wash the
decks to keep the bugs away,” he adds.

Jo Jo’s is all about positive reinforcement and recognition when it comes to area schools. They proudly host periodic “Bully-free Zones” for three surrounding middle schools. On one occasion, 300 kids
under police escort marched onto the location. Plus, each year they drop off free coupons at 17 schools to be distributed to honor roll students.

How much ice cream do they go through? Over 300 gallons of ice cream mix a week. Ruhren claims, “This place is always hopping and I’m blessed for that.”

Nine soft serve flavors including mocha cappuccino and cheesecake are offered daily. Specific flavors like green apple and pina colada are available on select days. For 50 cents each, you can customize
your ice cream with toppings like cookie dough, Heath bar, gummy worms, melted marshmallow and cheesecake pieces to name a few.

Sizes range from kiddy ($1.45) to large ($3.05). Waffle cones are priced at $2.95; dips of chocolate, cherry or toasted coconut are available for an extra 50 cents. Free baby cones are offered with any
purchase when infants and toddlers are on site.

Other menu items include Hawaiian shaved ice ($2.05-$3), fruit smoothies ($2.95-$3.40) and java lattes made with espresso and ice cream (16-oz. for $3.75); floats, sundaes and shakes all go for under $5
.

Strawberry shortcake is a specialty item made with layers of Sara Lee vanilla cake, fresh cut strawberries, ice cream and whipped cream for $4.50. For a mere $3.90, you can have a “candy sundae”
loaded with Twix, M&M’s, real chocolate chips, Oreo, whipped cream and a cherry — no substitutions please. “Worm Sundaes” come complete with gummy worms and crushed Oreo “dirt.” Traditional
sundaes such as hot fudge, s’more, and brownie price out at $4.50.

Gift certificates are available and birthday parties are welcome, but it’s advised you call ahead for tables.

You still have plenty of time to hit this family fun venue. Summer hours run 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Jo Jo’s doesn’t close for the season until Nov. 12. Be patient on the weekends, we hear the line of ice
cream craving patrons has been known to wrap around the building.

Mary Ann Kauchak lives in Lake Ridge. Her third cookbook, “SHORTCUTS, TOO” is available at Mom’s Apple Pie in Occoquan. She can be reached at .

WANT TO GO?

Location: Jo Jo’s Original Softserve,

17986 South Main St., Dumfries (Next to Pizza Hut)

Summer Hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Phone: 703-221-6363