Dave Nichols showing off some of his Dairy's signature, homemade ice cream.
For almost 50 years…in the same spot, doing the same thing …and doing it really good. That’s Graff Dairy in Grand Junction. Although the landscape on 29 road has changed and grazing land has turned into turning lanes and herds of cows have been replaced with hordes of cars…the one constant is local milk and …locals like it that way. Graff Dairy is in the capable hands of one Dave Nichols…who has taken on the tradition of pasteurizing and homogenizing…and now, for almost 30 years making amazing ice cream.
People pull up to the Graff Dairy drive-thru as I’m doing this interview…asking for milk, ice cream…even a coffee or latte. But …Dave Knows…if he can get ‘em in for the Milk…He’s “Got ‘Em!”…he says “it’s just that good.” Local and as organic as you can get. The cows…that use to be on site…have been moved just down the road to Loma …so the milk has a little commute before it becomes the delicious cream used in that velvety ice cream.
The ice cream…well, you can’t say ice cream without hearing the story of “The Recipe”.
Briefly…William Graff , David’s father-in-law…was friends with the guy who started a huge candy company here in Grand Junction and that guy had a unique recipe for his ice cream…but for some reason he didn’t want to give it to his family and the candy company…but he did give it to William and David…one afternoon way back in 1985. But, with a caveat to NEVER, ever tamper with the recipe and to never, ever give it out. He even threatened to haunt them ‘from the grave’ if they broke the promise…So Dave and Graff Dairy have held on to that promise …even when that big company came knocking …wanting , what they said was “their” recipe back. Dave says …”if your dad had wanted you to have it …you would have it.”
Most everyone who has grown up in Grand Junction or Mesa County …and even further away…has a Graff Dairy story …about getting ice cream as a kid…or working at the Dairy. Dave even gives tours to local schools and just believes in what he does… Milk and ice cream.
Secret Ice Cream Recipes …Ghosts and Milk. Sounds like a Children’s Halloween book…Nope…just the story of Graff Dairy and David Nichols.
Dave Nichols: Graff Dairy
More Information:
Graff Dairy LLC
(970) 243-7544
581 29 Rd
Grand Junction, CO 81504
FACEBOOK:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Graff-Dairy/113606782056484
July 2012
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