Water and Ice a throwback to simpler times

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When you walk into the Water and Ice store, there’s a feeling you’re stepping back in time. Bright walls are covered with nostalgic signs and memorabilia. Against one wall, tall bottles are filled with a rainbow of flavored liquids. Peer into a glass freezer where bins of cold, delicious ice cream await your order. Kids sit and slurp from waffle cones while mom and dad snack on Boston Baked Beans.

If there’s a business that captures a bit of Americana, it’s Water and Ice. “We think the style of our store is unique,” said owner Tonya Thompson. “Our walls are covered in old-time advertising tins, and some of our shelves feature fun candy memorabilia, M&Ms, Barbie and Betty Boop collectibles. Once a year during the summer we put on a ‘Blast from the Past’ day. Thrifty ice cream cones are reduced, and the store features a back-to-the-fifties atmosphere.”

This July Water and Ice will celebrate its 6th anniversary. Thompson said she and her husband started the business to meet a need in the community.

“I grew up in Maricopa (since 1975), and I love our community,” Thompson said. “I knew that we did not have good drinking water or a fun place for the entire family to enjoy. Therefore, in 2004 my husband and I decided opening a Water and Ice store would be perfect to offer those two things:  good drinking water and ice, and a fun place the entire family could go to enjoy delicious treats.”

Water and Ice, which is located in the Bashas’ shopping center, is independently owned and operated, which is just the way Thompson wants it. “We are proud of our store and strive to keep its atmosphere fun, friendly and family oriented,” she said.

While the reverse osmosis water and ice forms the core of her business, Thompson says it’s the old-fashioned appeal of the business that makes it unique. “We offer nostalgic candy that will help you take that walk down memory lane, with names such as Charleston Chew, Good N Plenty, Big Hunk and Candy Buttons,” Thompson said. “We also have a selection of 24 different kinds of smoothies, or you can create your own.  And you can add in supplements such as protein and vitamins for an additional charge. We also offer sundaes, banana splits, shakes, and Hawaiian Shaved Ice.”

Did someone say banana split? This traditional favorite is one of most popular sundaes Water and Ice offers, and it’s huge. “It is huge,” Thompson said. Thompson said the most popular ice cream flavors are Chocolate Malted Crunch and Birthday Cake.

Now starting her seventh year, Thompson said her business is blessed with a loyal customer base. “We believe our customers keep coming back due to the quality of our product and our friendly service. We are thankful to all the customers who have supported us over the years and to the many new ones we have met and are yet to meet. We are very grateful.”

At a glance:
What: Water and Ice
Location: 20928 N. John Wayne Pkwy, #7
Hours:  Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.to 9 p.m., and Sun. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Info: 520-568-4740

Photo by Michael K. Rich

(A version of this article appeared in July’s InMaricopa News)