Twist Cone

It’s not officially springtime until Twist Cone opens its doors for the year. Over the past 55 years, Aberdeen has experienced a lot of changes—but one thing stays the same: Twist Cone lights up in the second week of March, and with it, the season begins. Although Twist Cone has been a local staple for over five decades, we spoke with Lee and Sandy, the current owners of the last 19 years, about their journey—and all the work it takes to keep Twist Cone the icon it still is today.

Lee and Sandy aren’t new to entrepreneurship. Before there was Twist Cone, there were cars. Lee attended Northern State University for about two years before leaving to pursue a career in management, eventually overseeing a chain of gas stations. In the fall of 1969, he enrolled at Northern State, then stepped away from college to take on business opportunities. He started by managing a gas station in Redfield, eventually buying into it and taking full ownership. In 1973, he married Sandy, who opened her own hair salon in town. Then in 1977, Lee launched a car business—a venture that would run strong for nearly 30 years before the family made a big leap.

“It was a big shift going from selling cars to running an ice cream shop,” he admits. “But you learn your way—and you stick with it.” And people have stuck with Twist Cone. In a world where almost every fast-food chain has some kind of frozen dessert, Twist Cone continues to stand out. Why? Because nothing is mass-produced. Every cone, every sundae, every item on the menu is made to order. And despite the freshness, the service is fast.

Add to that a diverse menu—not just ice cream, but popcorn, barbecue, and rotating seasonal flavors—and you start to see why Twist Cone draws repeat customers all spring and summer long. Another reason people keep coming back? The service. Most of the staff are high school students—many in their very first job—but the energy is upbeat and the expectations are high. Orders are taken clearly, food is delivered fast, and customers feel taken care of. That’s thanks to Jennifer, Lee and Sandy’s daughter, who leads training.

“She teaches them how to speak loudly, take pride in their work, and stay sharp during busy shifts,” her father shares. “She’s a huge reason the team performs the way it does.” “We didn’t grow up with iPads or apps,” Lee laughs. “But our workers did. If they’re used to touchscreens, we meet them there.”

Even though the owners didn’t grow up with modern tech, they’ve embraced change where it counts. In recent years, Twist Cone introduced computerized ordering systems. It wasn’t second nature at first—but they understood their workforce lives and breathes technology. “Meeting them where they are and staying up to date is the best way to keep Twist Cone thriving,” they said. “It’s about adapting with the times while keeping your values.”

Social media has also played a big role in that evolution. People in town know how important it is to keep their eyes on Twist Cone’s Facebook page because that is where Twist Cone's Assistant Manager Robin Jensen makes weekly flavor announcements. Pictures of colorful cones with candy eyes and playful toppings add a fun, personal touch. One of the shop’s most anticipated events—an annual fall night with Northern’s College Activities Board (CAB)—brings students together for free cones and community bonding.

“Twist Cone is synonymous with spring and summer in Aberdeen,” said one local student. “When the sign lights up, you know the season’s here.” From the memorable branding to its commitment to small-town service, Twist Cone has built a loyal following. It’s not just a place to grab dessert—it’s part of Aberdeen’s rhythm, a backdrop to warm-weather memories, and a first job for many of the town’s youth.

Before we wrapped up our interview, we asked the owners the same question we ask everyone: What’s the one lesson you’d want someone reading this story to walk away with? The answer was simple—but powerful. “Business ownership is hands-on. If you want a team that offers great service, you have to lead by example. Be there. Be present. Check in with your workers. Make sure the values you want to see reflected in your business are reflected in you.”

With 55 years behind it and nearly two decades under its current owners, Twist Cone continues to prove that quality, consistency, and community connection never go out of style.