Former Lansing landmark gets new life

After Lansing’s beloved Frosty Korner ice cream shop caught fire last year, it wasn’t rebuilt.

This was upsetting news for residents, many of whom shared nostalgic memories of visiting the shop.

“Thank you for the years of sweetness, Frosty Korner,” Brandyn Armstrong said in a Facebook post. “You’ll be missed more than words and our tastebuds can say.”

A “for sale” sign stood on the property for months. Then, entrepreneur Carlton McConnell came along.

The Lansing native remembers the old ice cream shop with fondness. “My mom took me over there all the time … I can remember like it was yesterday,” he said.

He bought the property, hoping to help locals make new memories in step with the spirit of Frosty Korner.

Dubbed “Food Vendor Korner,” McConnell is repurposing the lot as a spot for up-and-coming culinary vendors to sell their dishes. 

There are a lot of vendors who don’t have a place where they can really reach people, he said. “They’re doing it out of their homes, out of their garages … not really having a place that they can say, ‘Hey, I’m going to be here on such and such day.’”

The Korner opened July 10 and has been popular so far, with vendors regularly selling out of food.

Sweet Inspirations is one of the vendors consistently on the Korner.

“We were sold out maybe within three hours,” owner Asia Bowser said. 

Bowser is also the founder of Mission Inspire, an organization connecting youth with educational support and opportunities. Selling homemade ice cream and baked goods, Sweet Inspirations provides an opportunity for community members to support the organization in exchange for a sweet treat.

The Korner has boosted Mission Inspire’s visibility, Bowser said. “I’ve met so many people in the community who’ve gotten a chance to learn about my organization and what we’re offering.”

McConnell’s hopes the spot will serve as a hub for various food and beverage vendors to gather every day, no matter the season. In the summer, customers can choose from a variety of cold treats and barbecue options. During the colder months, McConnell is planning on inviting vendors selling soups and stews.

But for right now, the goal is to get a solid set of consistent vendors. “We’re taking baby steps,” McConnell said.

He said he doesn’t plan on removing the old Frosty Korner sign, which “has been so beloved over many, many, many generations.”

So, the sign remains, like a neighborhood beacon, carrying on the tradition of good food bringing people together.