Julie Ann’s was built around a simple idea: make frozen custard the right way and treat people well. What started as a small operation has grown into a community favorite known for creativity, consistency, and showing up when it matters, from school fundraisers to large corporate events.

John and Mary Zielnicki started our business in 1985, after their son-in-law Pete brought frozen custard inspiration from Milwaukee, home of the iconic Leon’s, and knew it would be a perfect fit for Illinois.

In those early days, John even kept a cot in the storage room, working around the clock alongside his family to make ends meet and build something special together.

John later passed the business on to his daughters, Linda and Mary, and son-in-law Peter. Today, Linda leads the day-to-day operations alongside Peter’s son and John's Grandson, Pete — with their kids, four generations strong and proudly honoring the life, work, and legacy of John, Mary, and Peter.

Brand Overview

Julie Ann’s Frozen Custard is a family-owned business based in Crystal Lake, Illinois. We’re known for handmade frozen custard, house-made chocolate dips made with simple ingredients, and creative treats served curbside, at events, and through community partnerships. Our focus is always on quality, care, and bringing people together through dessert.

Brand Voice & Personality

Our voice is friendly, welcoming, and playful without being over-the-top. We aim to be confident but never flashy, warm but still professional. Julie Ann’s is community-focused and quality-driven, and our tone should always reflect thoughtfulness, clarity, and approachability rather than hype.

What We’re Known For

Julie Ann’s specializes in fresh, handmade frozen custard, Julie Bars, classic treats, and dairy-free options. We’re also recognized for our curbside-first service model, large-scale event capabilities, vintage custard trucks, and strong relationships with schools, nonprofits, and local partners.

Visual Style & Usage

Visually, Julie Ann’s is bright, cheerful, and inviting, with a mix of nostalgic charm and modern presentation. We prefer real product, real people, and real moments. Logos should be used as provided, without alterations, and imagery should highlight interaction, craftsmanship, and community whenever possible.

Naming & Attribution

Please refer to us as Julie Ann’s Frozen Custard and Dairy-Free on first reference and Julie Ann’s thereafter. Avoid abbreviations or language that suggests mass production or novelty-only positioning. When crediting or tagging, use our full brand name.

For press inquiries, interviews, or image requests, please contact:

Pete Wisniewski
(815) 404-9525
hello@julieanns.com