News : Tootsie\'s is open now; ice cream shop named after owner\'s mom

Customers place their orders at this window at Tootsie's Ice Cream & More, which opened Monday.

Tootsie's Ice Cream & More has souvenir bears for sale.

Corey Seibert's mom Marianne would have loved the car theme at Tootsie's Ice Cream & More, he says.

Tootsie's opens Monday; the ice cream shop will be open year-round, says owner Cory Seibert.

Erin Spangler watches her niece, Kylie enjoy ice cream for the first time at Tootsie's on Monday.

Marianne “Tootsie” Siebert had lunch with her son, Corey, a few days before she died in September of last year. She enjoyed a tenderloin from the business her son was in the process of purchasing: Leon’s Malt Shop.

Corey Seibert decided to honor his mother by naming his first business after her. Tootsie’s Ice Cream & More opened Monday, on a year-round basis.

Most people are already familiar with Cody’s love of cars, even if they do not already know his name or recognize his face. Corey decorates his 40-year-old white VW Beetle every Christmas with hundreds of lights, and Santa and Mrs. Claus in the front seat. That car can be seen each holiday season on Highway 150 just west of Urbana.

Corey’s love of cars, which he shared with his mom, is evident in the automobile history displayed on the recently-painted walls at Tootsie’s. A variety of old hubcabs and other decorations adorn the yellow and red dining room.

“My mom loved cars, too,” says Corey.

The business will offer all of the ice cream treats that Leon’s customers remember. Corey is also adding more things, including specialty coffees, a Pepsi fountain machine for soft drinks, and char-broiled burgers. Leon’s well-loved tenderloins will also be available.

“We will also have daily specials,” he said.

The business will begin with three full-time employees, and lots of help from the Seibert family, including Corey’s wife, Teresa and their children Michelle, Stephanie and Michael.

“We are testing the waters,” says Corey, adding that he is not sure what kind of staffing will be needed from season to season, since the ice cream shop has never been open in February.

Corey thanked Leon Schwenker for all of his assistance and advice as he has prepared for the Tootsie’s opening.

“He is still around if I need his help,” says Corey.