What is an ice cream trail?
What is an ice cream trail?
ASHEVILLE – Spencer and Melissa Hilgeman are on a hot streak for having cool jobs, with their latest being owners of Hilltop Ice Cream Shop.
Former Biltmore employees, Spencer Hilgeman worked as a chef, and Melissa Hilgeman worked in the events department on the famed, historic estate.
It was there that they met Barbara Borgerson, who introduced Hilltop Ice Cream to Fairview nearly 15 years ago and supplied the Biltmore restaurant, where Spencer Hilgeman worked, with ice cream.
“I thought it was some of the best ice cream in Asheville,” he said.
Occasionally, he would ask Borgerson about expanding the business and opening a new location, offering his assistance. Instead, Borgerson would approach the couple about buying the company as she planned to retire.
In 2021, following the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hilgemans sought to achieve work-life balance and job security as entrepreneurs. Additionally, the couple were Fairview residents and were familiar with the community and its businesses.
“We felt like if we could build a business big enough and successful enough, it would allow us, down the road, to spend more time with our family,” Spencer Hilgeman said.
Melissa Hilgeman said buying Hilltop Ice Cream felt like the right move, especially as it would be easy for her husband to transition from restaurants to the ice cream sphere.
“He’s a culinary chef and can bake anything, decorate anything, and cook anything. I’ve never seen anything of his that didn’t come out awesome,” she said.
Nearly four years after assuming the ownership role, they were approached about taking over the storefront suite at 235 Weaverville Road after Pelican’s SnoBalls of Woodfin closed its brick-and-mortar location following last fall’s Tropical Storm Helene.
On May 1, the store opened as Hilltop Ice Cream Shop’s second location, fulfilling their original vision for the business.
Now, Woodfin residents, the Hilgemans liked the idea of having a store in their neighborhood. The ice cream shop’s creek-side backyard, which is shared with neighboring businesses, such as the recently opened Smokee’s Breakfast and Lunch, was another selling point. The outdoor space features a fire pit, a sand pit, and a large yard for children to play in.
Hilltop Ice Cream remains open at 520 Old U.S. 74 Hwy. next door to Whistle Hop Brewing Co., in Fairview.
“We have people come every day of the summer. Knowing them and building those relationships was important to us,” Melissa Hilgeman said.
He said it had taken longer to recover, but public donations assisted the small business after Helene, as well as the increasing customer volume this spring.
The Hilgemans said they retained their seven employees at the Fairview store. Eight new employees were hired for the Woodfin store, primarily high school and college students.
“It was a rough winter for everyone. Luckily, we got through it, and the season’s beginning to bounce back,” Spender Hilgeman said.
On the menu: Hilltop Ice Cream Shop
Hilltop Ice Cream’s menu was revamped when the Hilgemans purchased the business, including the addition of new flavors like the Apple Brown Bettie, named after Spencer Hilgeman’s grandmother.
Hilltop’s collection features about 30 flavors, including rotating seasonals and limited-edition offerings. Milkshakes and vegan and sugar-free treat options are available, and more nondairy (sorbet and oat milk-based) and zero-sugar options have been introduced.
A benefit of having a chef at the helm is the assortment of scratch-made ingredients, like the hot fudge and brownies. The waffle cones are made with a recipe he spent more than three months developing and refining.
“They’re super light and crispy, much like a tuille ― a little bit of vanilla and not too sweet,” Spencer Hilgeman said.
Bestsellers include lemon blueberry cheesecake, lavender honey, and cherry goat cheese made with in-house cherry compote. Coconut joy, a coconut ice cream with chocolate-covered almonds and toasted coconut, is another popular choice.
Classic sundaes include the banana split and warm brownie sundae.
Sour Patch Kid sorbet is a fun option for young customers.
Coffee Oreo is one of Spencer Hilgeman’s favorites, while Melissa Hilgeman’s go-to is the Andes Mint Chip. It used to be a seasonal flavor until the Hilgemans made it available year-round.
Ice cream parties and more at Hilltop Ice Cream Shop
The Woodfin shop features a spacious dining room for guests, about double the size of the Fairview location, and is available for private event rentals.
Spencer Hilgeman said that if he and his wife decided to expand the business again, they would limit it to three shops to maintain the personal touch and ensure the quality of their in-house made items.
“We love seeing happiness on people’s faces and sharing that with other people,” Melissa Hilgeman said.
Hilltop Ice Cream
Where: 235 Weaverville Road, Asheville.
520 Old U.S. 74 Hwy., Fairview.
Hours: 1-9 p.m. daily, through summer.
Info: For more, visit hilltopicecreamshop.com and follow @hilltopicecreamshop on Instagram.
Tiana Kennell is the food and dining reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Tips, comments, questions? Email tkennell@citizentimes.com or follow @PrincessOfPage on Instagram/Bluesky.
