Here’s the Scoop: Gov. Spanberger Makes Surprise Stop at Goodies in Alexandria
ALEXANDRIA, VA —Now that’s what we call a cool surprise.
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger popped into Goodies Frozen Custard & Treats in Old Town Alexandria Thursday, taking a tour of the beloved neighborhood shop, chatting with customers and facing perhaps the toughest decision of her day: peanut butter or Oreo?
“This is a great spot,” Spanberger told Goodies owner Brandon Byrd after arriving at the tiny historic icehouse at 200 Commerce Street.
As Byrd showed her the flowers and landscaping surrounding the shop, the governor seemed genuinely impressed.
“This is incredible,” she said.
Byrd credited “Uncle Ro,” whom he described as the property’s master gardener, for keeping the grounds looking sharp.
“He tells me what to buy,” Byrd said. “I get the tools, and he goes to work.”
A Little Piece of the Midwest
Goodies is known for serving Wisconsin-style frozen custard with a generous scoop of nostalgia. Byrd told Spanberger that the shop’s music, treats, and vintage atmosphere reflect the culture he grew up with.
“I just wanted to bring a piece of the Midwest here,” Byrd said, “and do it in an authentic way.”
The details are hard to miss. Byrd pointed out the custom-made rocket outside, made from a real belly tank from a World War II-era fighter plane, and explained that nearly every element was chosen to help create a one-of-a-kind experience.
“It was just really important to create a unique space,” he said.
The location itself comes with plenty of Alexandria history. The roughly 300-square-foot building was once used by the Mutual Ice Co., Alexandria’s largest ice distributor, to store blocks of ice in the days before home refrigerators.
In other words, frozen treats are still being served from the old Ice House — the delivery method has simply improved.
From Vintage Van to Old Town Landmark
Before opening the Commerce Street shop in 2021, Byrd took Goodies on the road in “Gigi,” a converted 1952 Metro van. He told Spanberger that he still caters festivals and other special events.
Goodies pairs Wisconsin-style vanilla-bean frozen custard with Byrd’s love of music, community and old-school hospitality.
Sundays at Goodies come with gospel music, Byrd told the governor, while other days may feature the jazz and sounds he remembers from childhood.
Then came the menu.
“I love all things peanut butter,” Spanberger said, studying her options. “But then that Oreo one looks good, too.”
From Health Care to Frozen Custard
Spanberger was already in Alexandria Thursday for an official visit to Neighborhood Health, a nonprofit community health center that serves more than 42,000 Virginians.
During the visit, Spanberger met with health care providers and patients and highlighted recently enacted Virginia laws aimed at lowering health care and prescription drug costs, including a $35 monthly cap on out-of-pocket insulin costs and new restrictions on pharmacy benefit managers.
She was joined at Neighborhood Health by Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, Del. Paul Krizek, Neighborhood Health CEO Dr. Basim Khan and other local leaders.
“The high cost of healthcare is a top concern for families across the Commonwealth,” Spanberger said during the official visit.
Her stop at Goodies was not listed on the governor’s public schedule, making the frozen-custard visit a considerably sweeter — and more unexpected — addition to her afternoon in Alexandria.
And just before the governor headed back to her waiting vehicle, Byrd jokingly called out that Goodies could easily cater an event in Richmond.
Spanberger looked over at “Gigi,” Goodies’ irresistible vintage van, and smiled.
“Would you bring the van?” she asked.
Something tells us Richmond may not have seen the last of Goodies.
