Our Story
Started in 2017, but The Chill Spot has ice cream roots that run deeper than that. In 2015, one of the original owners, Nikki, bought Grammy B's Ice Cream in Corolla and started scooping ice cream while bringing smiles to vacationers from all over. I (Ryan) worked in an ice cream shop for several years in my teens and promised myself early on that I would one day own my own. After living and working in New Zealand for a year, I started in 2016 with a mobile ice cream business called “Ryan's Real Fruit Ice Cream” which was inspired by a unique New Zealand style ice cream. A mutual friend of ours introduced Nikki and I, and casual small talk led to ice cream talk, which led to talk of goals and dreams, which ultimately led to a merger of the two businesses under a new name and a new mindset: The Chill Spot. Since then, we have operated several successful seasons. In 2020, Nikki went on to start his own home inspections company, and I took over as the sole owner. We appreciate all of you for being a part of our ice cream story and we look forward to seeing you soon!
Ryan Riley - owner
Hometown: Woodstock, GA
Favorite Flavor: Cookies n Cream
Kenzie Herring, shop manager
Hometown: Fluvanna County, VA
Which Disney character is your favorite and why?: Stitch - I never considered him to be a monster. I adored everything about his personality throughout the movie. To me, he was just a lovable, crazy character who was trying to keep his best friend safe!
Summer 2025 Staff
Nora Glover, Chill Spot Sophomore
Hometown: Saranac Lake, NY
What method would you prefer to be cooked if you were a potato?: If I were a potato I would be cooked as a Chick-fil-a waffle fry!
Georgia Feekins
Hometown: South Kingston, RI
It’s a rainy Saturday at home alone- what do you do with your free time?: On a rainy day I spend a lot of time doing mundane tasks so I don’t waste time indoors on a nice day.
Lucy Toy
Hometown: Erie, CO
What superpower would you choose if you had one and why?: I’d choose teleportation for the freedom and excitement. instantly traveling anywhere would open endless opportunities.
Xylia Raczka
Hometown: Fort Collins, CO
Which band would you choose to tour with if you had the option?: I would tour with Queen or Fleetwood Mac!
Jenna Lang
Hometown: Buffalo, NY
If you could be any animal, what would it be and why?: I would be a turtle so I could hide from anyone and take a nap whenever I wanted.
Ashley Stowell
Hometown: Erie, CO
What would you learn if you could acquire any skill? Why?: If I could acquire any skill I would be able to play the guitar perfectly. I’ve always wanted to play an instrument, especially guitar.
Kat Esquivel
Hometown: Miami, FL
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?: As a kid I wanted to be a scientist!
Winter Burgess
Hometown: Laramie, WY
What is one non-work related objective you want to accomplish in the next 5 years?: In the next 5 years I want to hike all 58 of Colorado’s 14ers (mountain peaks above 14,000 feet).