It’s never too cold for homemade, small-batch ice cream, especially if it’s served in a welcoming, family-friendly setting in downtown Newport (246 Chatham Street). Meet Leetty and Andrew Cox, the founding owners of Cox Family Ice Cream and First Rung’s fourth micro-loan recipient. They are not newcomers to great food in Carteret County. Andrew managed the well-known Cox Family Restaurant, a cheery landmark in Morehead City whipping up hearty Southern-style eats. Leetty, after completing the pastry and baking certification at Carteret Community College and working under the executive chef at the Coral Bay Club, has branched out with Andrew to make their dream of an ice cream parlor come true.
First Rung’s loan in 2022 allowed them to expand their freezer space so that they could offer a wider variety of dietary specific ice creams and sorbets. In addition to a host of seasonal ice cream flavors, they carry cookies, pies, and shakes. Located across the street from the elementary school and near the ball fields, Leetty and Andrew have made special efforts to support young people in their community through sponsorships and student promotions.