The idea for the Wind-Chill Factory began in 1995 when founder Bob Porter began searching for a location to launch his idea. He approached Doren Rockhill (who owned the Wind-Chill property at the time) at a Christmas Party and asked him if he would like to sell the property. Mr. Rockhill stated he would, but he had a tenant and wasn’t able to break the lease. In January, Mr. Rockhill’s tenant decided to leave, and Mr. Rockhill approached Mr. Porter and ask if he was still interested in purchasing the property. He was, and in February of 1996, the sale was complete.
Now came the hard part, coming up with a name and putting all the pieces together. Bob thought of the names Adirondack Ice Cream Factory, Arctic Chill, as well as a few others. Working on a name one evening with Frank Fontana, Bob typed the word “arctic” in a computer thesaurus and the words “wind-chill factor” popped up. Already thinking of a name with factory in it, the name was born. The name “Wind-Chill Factory” has been recognized by the National Restaurant News and one of the Great Restaurant names.
The Wind-Chill Factory opened its windows on April 6, 1996. It started with two ice cream machines, selling chocolate, vanilla, and twist, fat free frozen yogurts, as well as a variety of sundaes, milkshakes and of course the banana split. The food menu was quite simple, consisting of hot dogs, michigans, new york style pretzels, nachos and chips.
The first employees that year were Jen Marcil (Bob’s future wife), Evelyn Porter (Bob’s Mom), Maryanne Clark (Bob’s sister), Casey Andersen, Krissy Bianchini, Lemieux, and Jay Wells.
In June of 1997, The Wind-Chill Factory began offering a full grill menu. Added were Hamburgers, Grilled Chicken Sandwiches, Chicken Fingers, Homemade French Fries and Onion Rings. As you can now see from the grill menu, the grilled choices have grown quite rapidly to keep up with demand.
We now have four soft ice cream machines pumping out the finest soft-serve that you will have anywhere, with a variety that will satisfy all generations.
We started making our Ice Cream Cakes in 1999. This part of the business has become a business of it’s own. If you order one, you will see why.
Bob has a son Brandon who was the first Vice-President of Quality Control. He has since passed on that position to Bob and Jen’s three children: Vivian (2002), Aidan (2003), and Irelan (2007). Each day, these VP’s test a variety of flavors to assure the Highest Quality.
Now in its 15th season, the Wind-Chill Factory continues to serve only the highest quality products, provide outstanding service, and do it for a value that can be seen and tasted.
