What began as a dream shared by two best friends has grown into a business centered on homemade food, community fellowship and faith.
Becky Adams and Leslie Ferrell opened The Good News Ice Cream Shop in Warren in 2023, after years of discussing the possibility of owning a business together. Both women were teachers and also sold Rainbow vacuum cleaners when they felt called to take a leap of faith.
“We felt led by God to do it,” the pair said.
Adams, who lives in Hamburg, and Ferrell, who lives in Johnsville, spent months searching for the right building located between them. When the former Eagle Democrat building in downtown Warren became available, they believed it was meant to be.
“We said if it was meant to be, it would happen, and it did,” they said. “Our ice cream-dipping cabinet is from New Orleans and survived Hurricane Katrina. It has always been in God’s hands.”
The name for the business came unexpectedly during a church service. While listening to a sermon about spreading the “good news,” the two friends exchanged what they described as a “light bulb moment.”
Wanting to share both the gospel and a welcoming atmosphere with the community, they decided the former newspaper office was the perfect place for their vision. Today, the shop’s decor reflects that history with old Eagle Democrat newspapers from the 1800s and 1920s displayed on walls and tables throughout the building.
In recent weeks, Adams and Ferrell expanded their business by bringing the menu from their HEALTHYish restaurant in Monticello to Warren. The Monticello location closed, and the Warren business officially became The Good News Ice Cream Shop and Cafe on May 7.
“Warren is home for us,” they said, when asked about the decision to consolidate the businesses into one location.
Since opening the cafe, the pair said they have stayed busy and have been encouraged by the community response.
The cafe now offers sandwiches, salads, loaded baked potatoes, rice bowls, pasta bowls and coffee, in addition to its ice cream selections. The owners said they continue to make their ice cream fresh daily, while their soft serve options remain dairy-free.
“We did take a few things off the menu but added The Big Daddy, which is a signature fried bologna sandwich in memory of a friend who passed away, and a Cajun turkey melt,” they said.
According to Adams and Ferrell, some of the most popular menu items so far are the loaded baked potatoes and chocolate brownie marshmallow ice cream.
Many menu items are made in-house, including waffle cones, chicken salad, soups, sauces and dressings.
Beyond food, the owners said their mission is to create a place where people feel welcomed, encouraged and supported.
“Our goal is to help spread the word of God and give back,” they said. “We try to give back as much money as we can to blessing others in churches and schools. We want to have a kid-friendly environment here as well.”
The pair said building relationships with customers is one of the most important parts of the business.
“If someone comes in and they are having a good day, we want to celebrate them,” they said. “If they need prayer, we want to pray and be there for them.”
The Good News Ice Cream Shop and Cafe, located at 200 W. Cypress St., is open Monday through Saturday beginning at 10 a.m. Closing times vary throughout the week, with the business staying open until 8 p.m. on Fridays. Customers may order in person, by phone or online through the business Facebook page.
Behind the cafe, Adams and Ferrell also operate a bait shop that opens at 6 a.m. Monday through Saturday and offers crickets, worms, minnows, goldfish, tackle and fishing poles.
For those who have not yet visited, the owners have a simple invitation.
“Come on down,” Adams and Ferrell said. “We would love to see you!”
